Did my transmission just die?
 

I have a 2007 Fit with 165k miles and no history of transmission problems. Tonight I went to back out of my driveway, felt a hard jolt or thud underneath and the car was then unable to move. When I shift into drive and step on the gas, there is a loud whining noise along with a steady loud knocking underneath but the car will not move. I pushed the car down to the bottom of the driveway, which is on a slope, and even with the car in park at the bottom, it continues to roll. So it's now sitting at bottom of my driveway with the emergency break on to keep it from rolling into the woods..

I plan to have it towed to Honda this week but wondering if my transmission is indeed shot. Wife drove the car earlier today with no transmission symptoms whatsoever.

Any ideas what this could be?

Thanks.

Sounds like an axle failed.

Thanks for the reply. Just been searching the board and googling a bit and also suspect that it could be an axle. Given the age of car, I'll probably tow to local mechanic rather than Honda as also reading that aftermarket parts would be better value in my situation.

An axle probably broke in half, Common issue especially in the salt belt.. I'd urge you to consider replacing both if they are still original.

I replaced both on my GFs 07 Fit at about 210,000 miles or so....before one broke and stranded her 2.5 hours from home

Thanks ezone. Can I ask how much it cost you to replace both? And did you to it yourself or have a mechanic do it?

I got the axles from a local parts store. Don't remember the prices now, it was a good 2 years ago.
I DIY everything because I do it for a living

Can anyione post a picture of tan axle at the failing point? Cannot believe that only the rust caused this failure! I saw few broken steering knuckles (on the junk yard) after collision; they break below the strut mounting bolts (at H-cross section)

Sorry I dont have pics of mine nor any pics from customers cars

The original axle will break underneath the rubber damper located somewhere near the middle of each shaft. That small chunk of rubber traps water and salt which slowly eats away at the steel shaft until its integrity is compromised.

The aftermarket replacement axles I installed did not have the dampers.

GIS for broken cv axle:


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fit...0cc000237b.jpg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fit...1348d5e60d.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fit...354710e036.jpg

Thank you!

DANG this just happened to me in the parking lot where I work. Should have have just replaced it on my own in the comfort and cheapness of my garage. Quoted $450 to fix (about $80 of that is for towing)