Loading

Do you need axles to drive?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need axles to drive a vehicle. While axles are a common and essential component of many types of vehicles, there are some vehicles that can be driven without traditional axles.


Understanding the Role of Axles in Vehicles


Axles are the structural components that connect a vehicle's wheels to the chassis or frame. They transmit the driving force from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move forward. Axles also support the weight of the vehicle and its load, and they help to maintain the proper alignment of the wheels.


In most traditional vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and SUVs, the axles are a critical part of the drivetrain, which includes the engine, transmission, and other components that work together to power the wheels. Without axles, these vehicles would not be able to function properly.


Vehicles That Don't Require Axles



  • Tracked Vehicles: Vehicles like tanks, bulldozers, and some construction equipment use tracks instead of wheels. These vehicles use a system of sprockets and rollers to propel the tracks, rather than traditional axles.

  • Hovercraft: Hovercraft are vehicles that use a cushion of air to lift themselves off the ground, rather than relying on wheels or tracks. They are propelled by fans or engines, and do not require axles.

  • Electric Scooters and Motorcycles: Some electric vehicles, such as scooters and motorcycles, use individual wheel motors instead of a traditional drivetrain with axles. The motors are mounted directly to the wheels, eliminating the need for axles.


In these types of vehicles, the driving force is transmitted to the wheels or tracks through alternative means, rather than through a traditional axle-based drivetrain.

How much does it cost to fix an axle?


AI Overview Yes, damaged axles can cause transmission problems. Axles are the mechanical link between the transmission and the wheels.  How a damaged axle can affect the transmission

  • CV joints: A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations, misalignment, and unbalanced power delivery, which can lead to transmission problems. 
  • Axle shaft: A broken axle shaft can cause transmission system problems. 
  • Axle failure: A completely failed axle can cause a loss of power to the wheels. 
Symptoms of a damaged axle 
  • Loud clanking, clunking, or clicking
  • Unusual clicking sound when turning
  • Loss of acceleration
  • Difficulty maintaining speed
  • Uneven tire wear
Safety concerns Driving with a damaged axle can be dangerous because it can cause a loss of control, especially when turning or driving at high speeds.  Repair costs Repairing a damaged axle can be expensive, as it can cause excessive wear on other drivetrain components.  You can also watch this video to learn more about the symptoms of a bad CV axle:57sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Oct 29, 2023Generative AI is experimental. Learn more
    What Happens When A CV Axle Goes Bad? - GSP Latin AmericaJan 25, 2024 — Consequences of Ignoring a Bad CV Axle Ignoring a bad CV axle can lead to more severe issues, including: Damage to Oth...GSP Latin AmericaHow a Bad CV Joint Can Impact Transmission HealthYes, a bad CV joint can cause transmission problems, particularly if the issue leads to increased vibrations, misalignment, or unb...Miramar Transmission(function(){
    (this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;mShow more



    Do you need an axle?


    An axle on your vehicle is a rod or shaft that rotates the wheels and supports the car's weight. The engine powers the axle, which in turn delivers power to your wheels. For this reason, axles are absolutely critical to a vehicle's drivability.



    What happens if axle goes out while driving?


    Loss of Power to the Wheels: If the axle completely fails, it can result in a loss of power to the front wheels, making the vehicle undriveable. Safety Risks: A broken axle can cause loss of control while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.



    Can axles damage transmission?


    • What Happens When A CV Axle Goes Bad? - GSP Latin AmericaJan 25, 2024 — Consequences of Ignoring a Bad CV Axle Ignoring a bad CV axle can lead to more severe issues, including: Damage to Oth...GSP Latin America
    • How a Bad CV Joint Can Impact Transmission HealthYes, a bad CV joint can cause transmission problems, particularly if the issue leads to increased vibrations, misalignment, or unb...Miramar Transmission
    • Auto Repair: What happens when an axle shaft breaks? - V&F Auto IncFeb 27, 2023 — If your axle shaft breaks, it can cause all sorts of problems for your transmission system.If you do a lot of hig...V&F Auto Inc
    • 4 Ways To Tell If Your Car's Axles Need Repair | Sun Devil AutoA Loud Clanking, Clunking, or Clicking A loud clanking or clunking noise can also be indicative of a transmission failure, and a p...Sun Devil Auto
    • What Is a Car Axle? - ProgressiveA car axle is the mechanical link between your transmission and your wheels. Essentially, car axles are part of the system that ta...Progressive
    • What happens if your axle breaks while driving? - Rebel AutomotiveApr 8, 2024 — Drivers experience an abrupt loss of acceleration and may find their vehicle immobilized or facing trouble maintaining ...rebel-auto.com



    Is it safe to drive with bad axles?


    Driving with a broken axle is highly dangerous and should be avoided. If an axle is broken, it can lead to a complete loss of control of the vehicle, making it unsafe to drive even for a short distance.



    Can you drive with a missing axle?


    Can You Drive With a Broken Axle? The simple answer is 'yes' but there are serious consequences if you go ahead and drive with a broken axle. Doing this may cause serious mechanical damages to other parts of your vehicle. For example, it may damage the tires or cause them to wear off much faster.


    Kevin's Auto

    Kevin Bennett

    Company Owner

    Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.