Drive Axel?, It's broken.. kinda Options

[speedracer_2020]

So I've been hearing a rattling noise in the old Celica..

And recently a sudden loss of power when the car in gear (revs like a charm while not engaged)

But... when I took the car in for an oil change the mechanic noted that "A couple drive axels are busted"

Not to be stupid (I know what they do.. but I need an explanation for my car's power loss): What are the purpose of these? .. and when damaged will there be any noticeable poewr loss when driving. The car still drives. Only rattles under high acceleration under 50km/h...

Lemme know.. thanks

Shaun

[97GTinKC]

Could the "rattle" be pinging from low grade fuel or a timing problem? might help explain the corresponding lack of power?

Also the mechanic may have meant the axle boots are bad, not the axle itself. You can change the boots yourself with basic tools, but is is a fair amount of work, and messy, (you need to flush all the grease out and inspect the balls and races for pitting or wear grooves, if everything looks good, re-assemble with new boots and grease, otherwise consider new joints or axle assemblys.
As for the "remanufactured" axles, I would stay away from them, I tried some on another car, had to warranty the right side 3 times within 2 years, (but I got really fast at changing them!), seems all most of these companies do is wash them out, drop new balls on the worn races and stick new boots on. Finally had them get me some NEW ones and no more problems. MOOG was the only company I knew of that actually re-machined the races and used oversized balls, not sure they are still doing CV axles, probably couldn't compete pricewise with all these others...