ff - what exact model & year bike do you have (perhaps an '07 Specialized Hardrock Sport)? If you're not sure, there are photos along with the specs from many years on bikepedia.com .
If you've got V-brakes now, going to disc brakes could make a big difference, but even something as simple as switching pads to Kool Stop Mountain Salmon (color) pads might be enough, along with properly adjusting/tuning up the bike.
How did you break your front axle? A jump?