Most car mechanics will inspect your axles whenever you bring in your car — but you can also conduct an inspection yourself, according to Car and Driver. You won't need any tools to do it, but you will need to get underneath your vehicle. Depending on how low your car is, you might need something to lift it up off the ground. You can use car jacks or vehicle ramps to do this.

Visual inspection

The easiest part of the inspection is taking a close look at the boot, which is responsible for keeping joints lubricated and preventing dirt and water from getting in, says YourMechanic.com. The boot has ribs which allow it to flex and move with the vehicle. Check for holes, splits or grease leakage. Next, you should inspect the shaft for any nicks, dings or dents, plus signs that anything is rubbing on it.

YourMechanic.com also recommends that you check the clamps that connect the boots to the shaft to ensure there are no leaks.

Driving inspection

You can also take a test drive to determine if there’s anything wrong with your axles. If you notice any of the following signs, says Meineke, your axle might be in disrepair when:

There is a loud "clunk" sound once you put your car into gear.
Your car vibrates/shakes if the engine is on.
There is a clicking or popping noise when you turn on your car.
Your car is running, but it won't move forward or backward.