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Alignment workaround Posted by Bill Homer [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Balljoint replacement procedure (long), sam96CS ![]() |
Replacing a ball joint or tie rod end can affect the alignment. When I replace one of these parts I do them one at a time, then take the car for a test drive on a level road. If the steering wheel is no longer where it was (dead center), I make a correction to the toe-in to return it to the starting state. Example: after replacing the right ball joint, the steering wheel is cocked to the right (clockwise) a bit. This indicates that the right tie rod needs shortening (less toe in), so I'll tighten it approximately an eight of a turn (depends how bad it is) and try again. Repeat as necessary, but a ball joint should not require much adjustment, perhaps a quarter turn max.
Not scientific, but after driving this car for so long I know what feels right (and what doesn't), and my tires are showing minimal wear. If you are replacing a bunch of parts at once, you need to get an alignment, but for just one part, this has worked for me.
posted by 76.217.3...
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