Let's not get too upset just yet
. The idea of a bad axle sounds OK to me . The outer CV joint could be totally screwed (hence needing a new axle) . When the CV joint goes south , the parts of the axle act independently of each other . The part hooked to the trans stays stopped (locked in park) , while the outer part can spin with the wheel (while the car rolls away)
.
Give the guy the benefit of the doubt . The reason he couldn't tell you what it was is most likely because he didn't get a chance to look at it yet . He'll probably look into it very soon for ya , so he can get the part . When the outer CV joint in our Jetta took a crap , I could let out on the clutch (with the car running in gear) and the axle would spin away , while the car stood still . When that happens , the axle is toast . I installed a new axle , which cost a bit less than $100 & my time to install . I don't know the cost of a Contour axle , but I imagine it's about the same (fingers crossed) .
Don't worry - things will work out for you
! The real biatch of the deal is the drive back out to retrieve the car
. Keep me informed with what's happening . I wish you the best !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Allen
It was nice to see all the cars we have all heard so much about.
