Your Guide To Axles & Drivetrain Bearings

An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear that rotates around an axle bearing. These axle bearings allow the axle to spin without any resistance or wear. Different types of bearings are used on both axles and drivetrains and they include ball and roller type bearings. Axle bearings differ from drivetrain bearings as they are packed with high-temperature bearing grease. The axle bearing is located at the end of the axle tube also known as the bearing cup.   

The drivetrain or powertrain of a vehicle is the group of components that deliver power to the driving wheels. This includes the engine, axle shafts, gearbox, transfer case, propeller shaft, differential, and wheels. All these are rotating parts and need bearing for rotation.

A ball-type axle bearing is pressed onto the axle shaft and a retainer ring is used to keep the wheel bearing snug against the axle shaft. Another type of bearing is roller bearings, which are used on rear-drive axles and are lubricated by gear oil inside the differential housing and are pressed into that housing rather than onto the axle.

The drivetrain comprises different types and different sizes of bearing and seals. Roller bearing in the gearbox, clutch release bearing in gearbox housing, constant velocity ball joint bearing on the front axle, knuckleball bearing in the knuckle assembly, universal joint bearing or U joint for propellor shafts, pinion bearing inside the differential, roller bearing in the differential for rear axle drive and wheel bearing which could be roller or ball bearing.

Have a look at the features of car axles & drivetrain bearings:

• The axle bearings support the weight of the vehicle.
• The constant velocity joint can work at a different angle.
• The rear axle will sit inside the bearing, allowing the axle to rotate the wheel smoothly and freely. They are lubricated by differential fluid or gear oil inside the differential housing, and this protects them against failure.
• The universal joint is used to give an angle to two different parts when connected.
• Axle shaft bearings are pressed into the rear axle housing nearest the wheel.
• A bearing is a machine element that constrains relative movement to the desired motion and reduces friction between moving parts. Bearings are designed to reduce road friction.

When the engine is cranked the power is generated due to the movement of the crankshaft, this power is transmitted to the clutch assembly, the gearbox has an input shaft that is inserted in the clutch assembly. This input shafts another end has bearing known as input shaft bearing. This input shaft bearing is fitted in the gearbox assembly which allows the gear in the gearbox to move, front-wheel-drive the differential is assembled in the gearbox, the gearbox has few bearings in its unit, of which two roller bearings are used to connect the driveshaft, the drive shaft has two bearings on both ends known as a constant velocity joint or bearing. This constant velocity joint has grease filled in it, so it is covered with a dust booth known as an axle booth, one end is fitted in the gearbox and the other in the knuckle bearing. The power then travels from the gearbox to this driveshaft, from the driveshaft to knuckle bearing, and then to the wheels. But with rear-wheel drive, some more parts are included. The drive from the gearbox is sent to the propeller shaft, this propellor shaft is connected with the gearbox and the differential using a U-joint also known as universal joint bearing, this power from the differential is then transferred to the axle and then to the wheel, the axle is connected with the differential through roller bearing and ball bearing at the wheel sides. In this way axle and drivetrain bearing work to distribute the power required to move the vehicle.

Have a look at the common car axles & drivetrain bearings problems:

• The main indicators of the axle and drivetrain bearings failure are noise and leaks. Insufficient lubrication or the wrong lubrication can cause noise while cornering. 

• Noise while turning, rumbles while cornering or turning, may show bad wheel bearings, if the front axle's constant velocity bearing has less or no grease, it can create noise. 

• The differential bearing can also get damaged due to no or less oil in the differential. Wheel bearing can get damaged due to damaged tires as they cause a continuous, hammering force that can quickly cause damage. Once the axle bearing is broken, your car won't move. If they break while you're driving, it could cause a serious accident. A damaged axle can cause transmission leaks due to damaged seals.
  

  If its axle boot is damaged, the grease can be thrown out because of which there would be no lubrication and may cause damage to the axle bearing. 

• The gearbox bearing can also create noise if there is no gear oil in the gearbox. The propeller shaft is connected with a differential through a universal joint bearing. This bearing can also wear if no grease is applied inside it. 

Axles and drivetrain bearings are exposed to immense stresses and temperatures which can eventually cause them to wear out over time leaving to following symptoms:

1. "Clicking" noises when turning 

This noise, which is sometimes described as a loud click and other times as a pop, is unmistakable once you hear it. It appears as you turn the vehicle, and it's caused by a worn axle's loose joints. If you hear this noise, take your vehicle to a service shop right away and get it fixed.

2. A knocking sound

Listen for a knocking or clunking sound, especially if it's rhythmic. While this isn't always due to the axle thereby necessitating a prompt check. You may also notice that the knocking sound is more pronounced in reverse, in some circumstances. Having the situation inspected by professionals, as soon as possible, is your best bet. Give us a call if you're not sure how safe the vehicle is to drive. We'll talk about the situation with you and assist you with the best possible solution.

3. Grease on the inside or edge of the tires

The axle joint features boots that hold grease and prevent it from leaking when the axle spins. If the boot develops a leak, the lack of lubrication can cause the CV joint to fail quickly. Get your car serviced as soon as you discover oil on the edge of your tire or the inside of the wheel.

4. Vibration while driving

This is a difficult question to answer because numerous factors can cause vibration while driving. If the vibrations are extreme, intensify with speed, or give your drive a "bouncy" feel, it could be the axle. It's necessary to have your car evaluated, regardless of the cause of vibrations; if it vibrates too much, it can become difficult to control.

Following are the symptoms of bad drivetrain bearings:

• Some problems related to snapping, clicking, or popping.

• Grinding when the vehicle is in motion.

• Issues related to knocking or clunking.

• There might be some issues related to humming, rumbling, or growling.

• Wheel vibration or wobble.

• Shudder, shimmy or vibration at a constant speed.

Do you enjoy repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort and car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment would upgrade your speed and make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your Axles & Drivetrain Bearings.

• Hydraulic jack

• Plier

• Screwdriver

• Basic Socket Wrench

• Hammer

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. Some people trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best Axles & Drivetrain Bearings brands to help you out in choosing your favorite one in case you don’t have any. So what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your Axles & Drivetrain Bearings:

• SKF Axles & Drivetrain Bearings

• Crown Automotive Jeep Replacement Axles & Drivetrain Bearings

• Beck/Arnley Axles & Drivetrain Bearings

Do you want to know what are the related parts of the car Axles & Drivetrain Bearings? Say no more! We are here to help you out. Have a look at Axles & Drivetrain Bearings related parts below:-

• Axle Housing

• Axle Hub

• Axle Hub Bearing

• Axle Nut

• Axle Shaft Bearing

• Axle Shaft Seal

• Driveshaft

• CV Joints

• Differential Assembly

• U-Joints

• Propeller Shaft

• Transmission Box

• Knuckle & Parts

• Wheel Bearings & Seals

• Axles & Drivetrain Seals

Failure in the Axles & Drivetrain Bearings comes in a lot of forms. But take note that it is not an inexpensive repair. Sometimes in the end you might find out that there is a need for complete Axles & Drivetrain Bearings replacement. There is no fast and hard number as to how much an Axles & Drivetrain Bearings replacement would cost as it depends upon a lot of factors like the brand, make, model as well as the mechanic who is going to repair/replace it. 

They may vary between $200 to $400, but in a few cars, it may cost more. It just depends on how long the mechanic has to work to change out your axle bearing.

It is not very hard to change the front or rear axle bearing. If you are sure about the defect in the axle, then with proper tools and guidance anyone can change the axle. Below is the step by step guide to change the axle:

Step 1

If your axle bearing is damaged, first place your car on the levelled ground. Lose the hub nut and wheel bolt first.

Step 2

Raise your car with the help of a hydraulic jack. Place a stand below it, remove the wheel bolt and wheel, remove the hub nut, remove the knuckle assembly, pull the driveshaft from the knuckle assembly.

Step 3

Then remove the hardware of the axle from the gearbox side, then pull the axle out, check the axle for any more damage. If the axle is bent or not repairable, change it. Axles have a repair kit that contains constant velocity bearing, axle boot, grease, and clamps.

Step 4

Remove both boots from the axle end, remove the constant velocity bearing. Fit the new constant velocity bearing to the axle.

Step 5

Apply grease on the bearing and cover it with the axle boot. Tighten the axle boot with the clamps.

Step 6

Check the movements of the axle bearing. Fit the axle in reverse position as removed. Your axle bearing or axle has been repaired.