Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement?
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 5
From: Lubbock, Texas
Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement? I've asked a few guys already, and nobody knows for sure. SO, I'll try my luck here. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> If I'm keeping the front springs but replacing the front stock shocks, do I need to get the front end realigned?
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Re: Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement? I do not know if it is required but you will have to remove the upper control arm to replace the shocks (Hals?), which have an affect on alignment. I would defiantly have it checked.
Edit:
I need to rephrase the above. You have to disconnect the upper control arm to remove the front shock mount.
John
[ February 13, 2002: Message edited by: JNorris ]</p>
Edit:
I need to rephrase the above. You have to disconnect the upper control arm to remove the front shock mount.
John
[ February 13, 2002: Message edited by: JNorris ]</p>
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Irvine
Re: Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement? I just replaced a set of front struts/rear shocks and Eibach Pro Kit springs for a '95Z, and alignment is not needed. None of the tie rod ends or ball joints were removed. Caster/Camber setings remain the same, because those are changed via shims in the upper control arm. A strut replacement shouldnt change those settings.
Re: Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement? I just did mine and you do have to break the top ball joint and remove the upper control arm. When I put it back together it did not seem that the upper control arm could be put in any different position than it was prior to disassembly - at least not more than 1/32" at the most.
There is no pull or difference in steering feel so I am going to leave it without an alignment unless some indication of bad alignment comes up.
Steve
There is no pull or difference in steering feel so I am going to leave it without an alignment unless some indication of bad alignment comes up.
Steve
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Re: Front end alignment needed after front shock replacement? [quote]Originally posted by schultzsj:
<strong>I just did mine and you do have to break the top ball joint and remove the upper control arm.
Steve</strong><hr></blockquote>
You do not have break the upper ball joint to replace the front shocks. The upper control arm assembly unbolts from the top of the shock tower. The only reason you would ever have to break the upper ball joint would be to replace the upper control arm.
<strong>I just did mine and you do have to break the top ball joint and remove the upper control arm.
Steve</strong><hr></blockquote>
You do not have break the upper ball joint to replace the front shocks. The upper control arm assembly unbolts from the top of the shock tower. The only reason you would ever have to break the upper ball joint would be to replace the upper control arm.
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