5 Indicators Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs Axle Repair Immediately

If the drive axle is destroyed, a heavy-duty truck won't go very far or move at all. Drive wheels are connected to axles via rods or shafts. Transferring power from the gearbox to the wheels is the major function of axles. The wheels rotate with the axle, and without an engaged axle, the wheels do not move.

Additionally, axles support the weight of the heavy-duty truck's occupants and cargo. Even though axles are designed to be durable, an overloaded heavy-duty truck may sometimes cause an axle to fracture or shatter. Other frequent reasons for axle issues are faulty carrier bearings or terrible potholes. There are five signs that the axles on your heavy-duty truck need to be repaired. If you see one of the following signs of axle damage, it's time to have a professional inspect your heavy-duty truck.

1. You experience unwanted vibrations 

Axle damage may be indicated by poor heavy-duty truck vibrations after a collision with a problematic pothole, an unexpected curb, or other items. A bent axle may be the cause of vibrations that are accompanied by odd rumbling sounds coming from beneath the heavy-duty truck, peculiar tire wobbling, or slow steering and driving. 

Vibrations could be especially audible during turns, accelerations, or decelerations. It is often a good sign that there is a problem with an axle if the vibrations are audible when driving slowly as well. Vibrations that are excessive or unexpected may also affect the comfort, safety, and control of the heavy-duty truck. The axle usually has to be replaced if the damage is severe enough to create vibrations.

2. You hear loud clunking noises 

Axle-joint damage may be present if there is an unusually loud clanking or clunking when you shift into gear, or if your heavy-duty truck seems to struggle to get momentum as it moves. This kind of noise often signifies that there is slack in the joints, which prevents the gearbox from effectively transferring power to the wheels. A professional evaluation could be required if there is a loud clanking or clunking noise that suggests a transmission failure. 

A strange clicking sound may be heard while turning the heavy-duty truck when constant velocity axles malfunction because joints become loose. These sounds, which are on the damaged axle shaft's side, usually become louder when turning quickly or sharply.

3. You notice grease leakage

An axle seal or CV boot (for light-duty pickups with IFS only), which are responsible for keeping grease inside your axle housing, may be leaking if grease is dripping from below the heavy-duty truck or along the inner tire edge. Leaking grease does not always indicate that the axle has already been harmed, but future issues may arise from insufficient grease. The axle joint and/or axle may fail if dirt enters a joint via a damaged joint cover. Axle boots and boot camps are plainly visible beneath a heavy-duty truck and should be checked often for cracks or leaks. To prevent a more catastrophic breakdown of the axle system, an axle boot leak should be fixed right away.

4. Your vehicle moves very slowly 

Even though a heavy-duty truck starts well, shifts into gear, and makes a typical engine noise, it probably has a fractured axle at the universal joint if it struggles to move. No matter how hard you push the accelerator pedal in this situation, the engine will simply rev, and the heavy-duty truck will not move. This is a perfect example of a scenario that is moving slowly, and the heavy-duty truck will not move until it has been fixed.

5. You notice oil leaks from the axle 

If you notice liquid pooling up underneath your axle housing or spraying across your wheel ends, there’s a good chance you’re leaking either gear oil or axle grease. This is a very serious problem, for if there isn’t a proper amount of lubricant in your axle housing, friction will increase and the assembly may feel. 

Final Words 

Drive axles play a crucial role in a heavy-duty truck's operation. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of this and get them checked out on a regular basis. Axles are just as crucial to a heavy-duty truck's correct operation and safety as the engine, steering system, brakes, and tires, although probably not as well known. If an axle is broken, have a trustworthy professional fix it right away.