How much do axles cost to replace?

Replacing an axle—most commonly a CV axle on modern cars—typically costs between $300 and $800 per axle, including parts and labor. In more complex cases or with premium parts, total can exceed $1,000 per axle.

Costs vary by vehicle type, whether you replace a single CV joint or the whole axle assembly, local labor rates, and the shop you choose. This article outlines typical price ranges, the factors that affect them, and practical tips to budget for axle work.

What counts as an axle

In modern passenger cars, the term "axle" most often refers to a CV axle (half shaft) that carries the wheel at each end and contains or connects the CV joints. Some vehicles rely on a solid rear axle or a drive shaft, and in all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups you may have multiple CV axles. Replacing can involve just a CV joint, the entire CV axle, or additional components like bearings or seals.

Cost ranges by axle type

Before listing typical price ranges for common replacement scenarios, note that actual prices depend on your car, your location, and the shop. The following ranges include both parts and labor for one axle replacement in a typical U.S. market.

• CV axle replacement (single axle, front-wheel drive or AWD): typically $300–$800 per axle.


• Premium OEM or heavy-duty CV axles: up to about $900–$1,000 per axle.


• Full axle assembly or drive shaft replacement (includes joints, bearings, seals): generally $800–$2,000 per axle in most cars.


• Differential or transaxle components as part of an axle job: $1,000–$4,000 or more, depending on vehicle.

In practice, prices vary widely. Always get a written estimate and consider a parts/labor breakout to compare quotes across shops.

What drives the price

Several factors determine the final out-the-door price for axle work:

• Vehicle make/model and complexity of the axle layout (e.g., front-wheel drive vs AWD vs rear-wheel drive).


• Type of axle and joints (CV joints vs solid axle; inner vs outer joints).


• Parts choice (OEM vs aftermarket, remanufactured, with warranty levels).


• Labor rates in your area and the time required to access and replace the axle (some cars require more disassembly).


• Additional components replacement (hub, bearing, seals, mounting hardware).


• Geographic region and shop type (dealer vs independent shop vs chain).

Shopping tips: compare quotes, ask about included warranties, and verify whether labor includes a road test and any alignment or hub work that may be required.

DIY vs professional service

Replacing CV axles is within reach for skilled DIYers with proper tools and safety precautions, but it can be dangerous and time-consuming. Labor savings may be offset by the risk of improper installation or noise issues later. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection and quote is advisable.

Always ensure you know what is included in the price: whether remanufactured or aftermarket parts carry warranties, whether wheel hub bearings are included, and whether the quote covers related components or fluids.

Summary

Axle replacement costs are driven largely by the type of axle, the vehicle, and regional labor rates. For most cars, budget roughly $300–$800 per CV axle, with higher prices for premium parts or more complex jobs. If a wheel hub, bearing, or differential is involved, costs rise accordingly. Obtaining multiple quotes and understanding what’s included helps avoid surprises.

How long does it take to replace axles?

Replacing a single CV axle typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, though the time can increase to 4 to 6 hours if parts aren't readily available or if there are issues like rust. The exact time depends on the vehicle, the specific axle being replaced (front or rear), and the technician's experience. For more complex jobs, or when replacing multiple axles at once, the time will be longer. 
Factors that influence the repair time

• Part availability: If the replacement part isn't in stock, waiting for it to be shipped can add significant time to the total repair duration. 
• Vehicle condition: Rust on bolts or other components can make disassembly difficult and time-consuming, especially for DIY repairs. 
• Specific components: Additional work, such as replacing the wheel bearing or brake components at the same time, will increase the overall time. 
• Technician experience: An experienced mechanic can often complete the job faster than a DIYer, particularly if they have the correct tools on hand. 
• Axle type: Replacing a simple rear axle on some heavy-duty vehicles can take significantly less time than a complex front CV axle on a passenger car. 
• Shop workload: The shop's current schedule and workload will also affect how quickly they can get to the job. 

Is a car totaled if the axle breaks?

If you suspect that your axles are about to break, bring your car in for service right away. Once broken completely, your car won't move and, if they break while you're driving, you could end up with a totaled car.

Is it worth fixing an axle on a car?

Yes, it is worth fixing an axle, especially because driving with a damaged axle is dangerous and can cause further damage, leading to more expensive repairs. The cost to repair a single axle is typically much lower than the car's total value, making it a worthwhile investment in the vehicle's safety and longevity. 
Why you should fix it

• Safety: A broken axle can cause a sudden loss of power or a complete failure of the wheel, which is extremely dangerous and could lead to a serious accident. 
• Prevent further damage: A small issue with an axle can lead to more significant and expensive problems in other components, such as the drivetrain, suspension, or tires. 
• Cost-effectiveness: Replacing a single axle is a relatively minor repair compared to the total value of a vehicle and is far less costly than dealing with the consequences of a failure. 

You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad CV axle and how to fix it: 42sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Oct 29, 2023
What to look for

• Noise: Listen for clicking, popping, or grinding sounds, especially when turning. 
• Vibrations: Notice unusual vibrations while driving, particularly at lower speeds. 
• Leaking grease: Look for grease splatters on the inside of your wheels or tires, which indicates a leak from the CV joint boot. 
• Power loss: A failing axle can result in a loss of power to the wheels. 

What to do

• If you notice any of these symptoms, get your vehicle to a mechanic immediately. 
• Driving with a broken or damaged axle is not safe, and it's best to replace it as soon as you notice signs of a problem. 

Can you drive with a bad axle?

No, you cannot safely drive with a bad axle because a broken axle can cause a sudden loss of control, and a failing one can lead to catastrophic failure while driving. It is best to pull over immediately and arrange for a tow to a mechanic to avoid a serious accident.
 
This video demonstrates the consequences of driving with a bad CV axle: 28sbriansmobile1YouTube · Oct 10, 2012
Risks of driving with a bad axle

• Loss of control: A broken or severely damaged axle can detach from the vehicle, causing you to lose control. 
• Sudden stop: The wheel may stop turning completely, causing the vehicle to come to an abrupt halt. 
• Steering and braking issues: A bad axle can cause wheel misalignment, making steering difficult and potentially causing the vehicle to pull to one side, especially when turning. 
• Catastrophic failure: In severe cases, the wheel itself can come off the vehicle. 
• Further damage: Continuing to drive can cause additional damage to other components, such as the differential. 

What to do instead

• Pull over immediately: If you suspect a bad axle, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. 
• Do not drive: Do not attempt to drive the vehicle to your home or to a shop. The risk of a sudden and severe failure is too high. 
• Call a tow truck: Arrange for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a mechanic for repair.