Alignment needed after ball joint replacement?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Alignment needed after ball joint replacement?
Tomorrow afternoon I am going to be replacing the upper and lower ball joints on a truck at work. It is a 1999 F350 5.4 gasser. I wouldn't think that an alignment would be needed after I get done but maybe. What is your guy's opinion? Thanks for the input.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
yes alignment is needed. No two ball joints are the same so say your ball joints are good to start with and you replace them with the same brand ball joints your alignment will be off.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NORTH IDAHO
Depends on the type of alignment being done. If it is the cheap alignment ($50-$75) then the only thing they are adjusting is the toe in and steering wheel center. When you get into the more labor intensive alignment ($200+) then you are getting new buckets under your top ball joints. Normally once they throw it on the rack they can tell you what needs to be done next.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Depends on the type of alignment being done. If it is the cheap alignment ($50-$75) then the only thing they are adjusting is the toe in and steering wheel center. When you get into the more labor intensive alignment ($200+) then you are getting new buckets under your top ball joints. Normally once they throw it on the rack they can tell you what needs to be done next.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
Justin,
I'm in the process of doing both top/bottom - have done the driver's side so far.
My understanding is that if you do not tamper with the existing shim on the top ball joint and you had no alignment problems prior, then you should be good to go. I still would keep an eye on the tires and do as a "norm".
If a new alignment requires shimming on the top ball joint, they will have to unbolt the top of the upper ball joint and replace that shim and re-torque - I think that's right.
I'm in the process of doing both top/bottom - have done the driver's side so far.
My understanding is that if you do not tamper with the existing shim on the top ball joint and you had no alignment problems prior, then you should be good to go. I still would keep an eye on the tires and do as a "norm".
If a new alignment requires shimming on the top ball joint, they will have to unbolt the top of the upper ball joint and replace that shim and re-torque - I think that's right.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: New Baden IL
Totally agree.....you might need shims on the top ball joints to align within specs.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 4
From: Caro, MI
Justin,
I'm in the process of doing both top/bottom - have done the driver's side so far.
My understanding is that if you do not tamper with the existing shim on the top ball joint and you had no alignment problems prior, then you should be good to go. I still would keep an eye on the tires and do as a "norm".
If a new alignment requires shimming on the top ball joint, they will have to unbolt the top of the upper ball joint and replace that shim and re-torque - I think that's right.
I'm in the process of doing both top/bottom - have done the driver's side so far.
My understanding is that if you do not tamper with the existing shim on the top ball joint and you had no alignment problems prior, then you should be good to go. I still would keep an eye on the tires and do as a "norm".
If a new alignment requires shimming on the top ball joint, they will have to unbolt the top of the upper ball joint and replace that shim and re-torque - I think that's right.
Go Bills !
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 65
From: Buffalo, NY
I had 50% worn tires when i did my ball joints. I don't have any problem with not getting realigned on used tires. I even replaced the left tie rod end. I only get checked/aligned when i get new tires or if i have an issue. When i did get new tires i had the alignment checked, And it was good to go.