Suppose you own a vehicle with an independent front or rear suspension. In that case, the CV (constant velocity) axles are a vital component that transfers power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing them to travel up and down over bumps.
| Vehicle Type | Front Axle Replacement (Labor + New OEM Axle) | Rear Axle Replacement (Labor + New OEM Axle) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Vehicle | $300 – $600 | $200 – $500 |
| Mid-Size Sedan | $400 – $800 | $300 – $700 |
| Luxury/European | $700 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,000 |
When a CV axle goes bad, it needs to be replaced. But what does this repair cost?
Factors Affecting CV Axle Replacement Cost
The price for a CV axle replacement can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Front vs Rear Axle
- Vehicle Make and Model
- Labor Costs at Repair Shop
- New vs Remanufactured Axle
Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Front vs Rear Axle Generally, front axle replacements are more expensive than rear axles. The front axles take more abuse from steering inputs. They also have to deal with greater angularity when navigating turns.
Vehicle Make and Model Luxury vehicles and European imports like BMW and Mercedes tend to have higher axle replacement costs due to more expensive parts and labor rates at the dealerships.
Labor Costs This is usually the biggest factor in the overall CV axle replacement cost. Labor rates can range from $80-$150 per hour depending on the region and whether you go to an independent shop or the dealer.
New vs Remanufactured Parts A brand new axle from the dealer is more expensive than a remanufactured unit. However, remanufactured axles do have a higher risk of premature failure.
Average CV Axle Replacement Costs
With all those variables, here are some average CV axle replacement cost estimates for different scenarios:
Front Axle Replacement (Labor + New OEM Axle)
- Economy Vehicle: $300 – $600
- Mid-Size Sedan: $400 – $800
- Luxury/European: $700 – $1,200
Rear Axle Replacement (Labor + New OEM Axle)
- Economy Vehicle: $200 – $500
- Mid-Size Sedan: $300 – $700
- Luxury/European: $500 – $1,000
To save money, you could source a remanufactured axle for $100-$300 less than a new OEM unit.
Signs of a Bad CV Axle
How do you know if you need to replace a CV axle? Here are some common symptoms:
- Clicking/Clunking Noises During Turns
- Grease Leak/Torn Boot
- Vibration at Higher Speeds
- Wheel wobbles when Accelerating
If you experience any of these issues, get it inspected by a mechanic promptly. Driving on a bad CV axle can lead to complete failure and an expensive tow truck bill.
CV Axle Preventative Maintenance
To extend the life of your CV axles, have the protective boots inspected periodically and replace them if torn or leaking grease. Also, avoid hitting deep potholes which can knock the axles out of alignment.
Also Read :
- The Real Cost of Transmission Service in the United States
- How Much Does Brake Caliper Replacement Cost in the USA?
- What’s the Real Cost of Resurfacing Your Brake Rotors?
- How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost in the United States?
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Brake Fluid Leak?
- What’s the Real Cost of Muffler Repair or Replacement?
With proper maintenance, a CV axle can last well over 100,000 miles. But when the time comes for replacement, now you have an idea of the potential costs involved based on your vehicle and location. Proper budgeting prevents surprises!
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