I’m trying to figure out if it’s my transmission or axle (or both)
I had a new battery placed in my car yesterday. I had an oil change done to my car couple weeks ago. the mechanic had mentioned to me that my axle was broken and that I needed to fix it. at that moment I didn't have the money. he told me i could still drive but I needed to get it fixed. my car drove fine. the only problem that i had was it was when i started my car, put it in gear, it would take couple seconds before it would move. today i was on my way to work. it drove fine for about a mile it just stopped. i tried pushing the gas but it wouldn't move at all. my car never made any no
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. Typically an axle will not cause this unless it completely broke. If that occurred, you would have had an extremely loud noise followed with a grinding and knocking noise every time you tried moving the vehicle. It sounds like the transmission itself has failed. The transmission fluid needs to be checked first.
If it is low, then this will occur. If the fluid is at the right level but is really dark or burnt, then the transmission has failed. It is best to fully inspect the vehicle first as it is also possible that it is an issue with the shifter itself, but that is not as common. If you want to have this transmission problem checked, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose why the car will not move in gear. If you would like to get a quote for a service, you can enter your vehicle information on our estimator page to get an estimate for costs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
It`s easy to identify the number of axles that your car or any other vehicle has. Just look at your car from the side, then count the pairs of tires. Most cars have four tires in total, or two sets of tires, with one in the front and one in the rear. Two sets of tires equal two axles.
With the parking brake enabled, raise the front of the car. From here, you can check the axles at the point of their inner and outer joints. An immediate sign of concern is whether or not the CV boots are damaged or cracked. You might also see or feel a lot of grease.
Rear Axle in Automobile
and the outer end of the drive wheel. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear wheels are the driving wheels. Whereas, in front-wheel drive vehicles, the front wheels are the driving wheels. Almost all rear axles of modern passenger cars are live axles, that is, they rotate with the wheels.
An axle is a rod or shaft that connects a pair of wheels to propel them and retain the position of the wheels to one another. In a car, the engine applies the force to the axle which rotates the wheels and moves the vehicle forward. In other words, axles deliver the driving power from the engine to the wheels.
Stamped Number on the Axle
To figure out exactly what axle you have, you can look for the Dana stamped bill of materials number. This stamped number can usually be found on the righthand side or on the longer axletube on the same side of the tube as the differential cover, facing the rear of the truck.
Typically, passenger cars and light trucks have two axles with four wheels (one pair in the front and one pair in the rear). However, some larger trucks and vans may have more than two axles, so you would need to count the number of pairs of wheels to determine the number of axles.
Axle-to-Axle Length
A small pin, the axle, holds the bow`s cams or wheels at the end of both limbs on compound bows. The distance between the axles is the axle-to-axle measurement. That measurement can be as short as 20 inches, with others measuring 35 inches or longer.
Your nine-digit axle serial number is etched into the axle tube near the center on the rear side. PROTIP: If the axle is older, try rubbing a piece of chalk over the number to help bring out the engraving better.
It`s important to note that all axles with similar spline counts are NOT necessarily the same. That`s because the splines are machined with different pressure angles.
There is two types of front axles : (a) Dead front axle, and (b) Line front axle. Dead axles are those axles, which donet rotate.
All front-wheel vehicles contain four CV joints, one at either end of each of the driveshafts running from your transmission to your wheels. Four-wheel drive vehicles also commonly contain CV joints which perform an identical function for the rear wheels.
All front-wheel vehicles contain four CV joints, one at either end of each of the driveshafts running from your transmission to your wheels. Four-wheel drive vehicles also commonly contain CV joints which perform an identical function for the rear wheels.
Two axle vehicles have a front and rear axle. Usually they are light vehicles, either cars or light trucks. Three axle vehicles have a front and two rear axles. Usually these are heavier trucks and light semi-trailers (tractor trailer combinations).
An fwd car will have one for both the passenger side and driver`s side. An AWD car will have the same, but additionally two in the rear of the car.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Transmission axle sea
ANSWER : You didn’t mention that you had the axle replaced but if you did the new axle may be the wrong one for your car, or you may have to get the replacement axle and seal from the dealer.
This vehicle in particular may have had a certain year of seal and axle, which then changed during the following year or mid year. The only way to get it correct may require the specific dealer parts by using your VIN number, it’s the only way to get the correct ones if you keep having issues with aftermarket parts. I’d recommend having a certified mechanic diagnose it to help you find the right replacement for your axle shaft seal.
I’m trying to figure out if it’s my transmission or axle (or both)
ANSWER : Hello. Typically an axle will not cause this unless it completely broke. If that occurred, you would have had an extremely loud noise followed with a grinding and knocking noise every time you tried moving the vehicle. It sounds like the transmission itself has failed. The transmission fluid needs to be checked first.
If it is low, then this will occur. If the fluid is at the right level but is really dark or burnt, then the transmission has failed. It is best to fully inspect the vehicle first as it is also possible that it is an issue with the shifter itself, but that is not as common. If you want to have this transmission problem checked, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose why the car will not move in gear. If you would like to get a quote for a service, you can enter your vehicle information on our estimator page to get an estimate for costs.
2003 jeep liberty stuck in reverse, shifter is stuck…but crawling under and trying to manually shift from transmission stuck
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on what you have written above, it is highly probable that the inner linkage has come loose or there is an obstruction within the inner gear set that is causing your problem. Unfortunately, this typically requires dropping the transmission and repair or inspection from the inside. This is not a service our mobile mechanics are equipped to offer, so your best bet is to contact a local transmission specialist for assistance.
2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.
What’s wrong with my manual Jeep if I’m driving at 5th gear but it sounds like I’m driving at 3rd or 4th?
ANSWER : Since the car is still new, the vehicle should be taken back to the dealer to be checked under warranty. You may need a repair or replacement of the engine assembly. The engine may have an imbalance causing the problem. There is a technical bulletin that may pertain to this vehicle and call for engine replacement. The TSB is 09-008-16 and is dated June 16, 2016.
I changed the axles in my car now I am having some transmission fluid leaking out.
ANSWER : There are spring loaded rubber seals that are pressed into a recess on each side of the aluminum differential case and through which the axle shaft rides. These seals must be replaced whenever the axles are replaced, otherwise transmission fluid leaks are likely. To access the seals and replace them the axles will have to be removed. Please note that the seals have to be placed squarely within the bore and that requires a seal installer. If the new seal is not installed such that the seal lip is perfectly perpendicular to the axle (i.e., not cocked in the bore), the new seal will leak as well. A special tool is required to pull the seals out. If you desire that new seals be placed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request axle shaft seal installation and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Front end bearing or trans-axle noise. Hear a grinding noise noticeable above 15 mph. exists going straight, turning right/left.
ANSWER : Hello. To answer your question, the best way to remove the axles it by disconnecting the ball joints. The noise you are hearing can be coming from a bearing, an axle or from the transmission. I usually check the bearings first and then remove the axles and check the joints for any binding. If the axles and the bearings are fine then this is a transmission issue. Most of the time it is a bearing problem. If you do not find the problem I would get some help from a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, that can come to you to [diagnose why it is making this grinding noise] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
