Question on Alignment after bushings
Question on Alignment after bushings So planning on doing some maintenance on front suspension soon.
i ll be doing all 4 front control arm bushings Will I need an alignment after?
i ll be doing all 4 front control arm bushings Will I need an alignment after?
Yes. Get it as close to what it was as you can, drive it to a shop and get it aligned. You should probably do the ball joints (2/side) and outer tie rods as well if you have not replaced them recently.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 25
From: Waterford, MI
Personally, if I had it all apart already, and they hadn't recently been replaced, I'd just toss new ball joints and tie rods on while I'm in there. Otherwise you'll likely end up doing it again, and another alignment later on. Just because they don't squeak doesn't mean they don't have wear. They may not be shot, but may have a bit of normal wear/tear and movement in them. If you're on a budget though, you can throw it back together as is.
The lower balljoints are pressed in, so you would likely have to take the arms off again if you need to replace them--which will necessitate another alignment. As would taking off the tie rods. Even if they don't squeak, the ball joints will probably be loose when you take it apart. You will find that the new ones are stiff enough that they stay in whatever orientation you put them, and have no play. The same goes for the outer tie rods, the inners might be okay to leave alone, as they don't get as much abuse. As stated, as long as you have it all apart, just do them if you can afford to. You will thank yourself later.
