Will I need to get an alignment after I replace upper ball joints.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
Will I need to get an alignment after I replace upper ball joints.
Like the title says I am replacing the upper ball joints on my daughter's 1987 Vette.
I don't think it would affect the alignment but I want to be sure. Thanks.
I don't think it would affect the alignment but I want to be sure. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
No, I wasn't going to remove the control arms. That's why I didn't think I'd need to align it.
I've got one yes and one no so far.
If it is necessary can someone please explain why so I so can understand the reason. Thanks.
I've got one yes and one no so far.
If it is necessary can someone please explain why so I so can understand the reason. Thanks.
Last edited by Cool95vette; May 26, 2014 at 11:24 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Park City Utah
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
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From: WV
But you may be able to have your alignment just checked for a lesser price.. Where I live they will check your alignment for $25.00 to see if you need one.. If you don't, and the specs are close it only cost you the $25.00....
..WW
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
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From: Toronto ontario
If you are replacing ball joints because they are worn... then there is a slight chance that the last alignment was done with a not-new spec ball joint. If that is the case then your alignment may change slightly.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: St. Petersburg Florida
So from what I'm hearing so far it depends on if the last alignment was done when the ball joints were good or not.
I bought the car a month ago. The wear on the tires right now looks good.
I guess I should just keep an eye on the tires after I change them for uneven wear.
I bought the car a month ago. The wear on the tires right now looks good.
I guess I should just keep an eye on the tires after I change them for uneven wear.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,430
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Different approach
I'm going to take a slightly different approach. You have a 'new to you' car, you're changing the ball joints so they must be bad. You may or may not have thoroughly checked all the other suspension components. Based on that, how much is your daughters safety and well being worth?
I'd rather have an alignment done at a qualified shop to confirm all the pieces and parts are good and in proper alignment. I bought my daughter 4 tires and an alignment last winter. Cheap insurance to insure she and the granddaughter would be safe to the best of my ability. They checked all the suspension parts to confirm there was nothing outstanding needing repairs.
My 2 cents.
I'd rather have an alignment done at a qualified shop to confirm all the pieces and parts are good and in proper alignment. I bought my daughter 4 tires and an alignment last winter. Cheap insurance to insure she and the granddaughter would be safe to the best of my ability. They checked all the suspension parts to confirm there was nothing outstanding needing repairs.
My 2 cents.
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From: Glenbeulah Wi
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Savannah GA
really stupid question.... Why are you replacing the upper ball joints? The lower joints carry most the load. No need to replace them just because the boots are blown. How about tie rod ends? They will have the biggest impact on road feel. Next how much end play in the wheel bearings? Does it dance around on rutted roads?
Just don't want you all to spend money on a 25 yr old vette unless it will do some good.
From someone who drives an 87 every day and has over 200k miles on it.
I replaced lower ball joints for nothing 7 or 8 years ago and the uppers are from day one.
IMO tie rod ends (both inner and outer) rack and wheel bearings will have most impact on drive ability.
Oh, and don't forget, ditch now tires over 5 yrs old.
JS
JS
Just don't want you all to spend money on a 25 yr old vette unless it will do some good.
From someone who drives an 87 every day and has over 200k miles on it.
I replaced lower ball joints for nothing 7 or 8 years ago and the uppers are from day one.
IMO tie rod ends (both inner and outer) rack and wheel bearings will have most impact on drive ability.
Oh, and don't forget, ditch now tires over 5 yrs old.
JS
JS
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 147
From: St. Petersburg Florida
really stupid question.... Why are you replacing the upper ball joints? The lower joints carry most the load. No need to replace them just because the boots are blown. How about tie rod ends? They will have the biggest impact on road feel. Next how much end play in the wheel bearings? Does it dance around on rutted roads?
Just don't want you all to spend money on a 25 yr old vette unless it will do some good.
From someone who drives an 87 every day and has over 200k miles on it.
I replaced lower ball joints for nothing 7 or 8 years ago and the uppers are from day one.
IMO tie rod ends (both inner and outer) rack and wheel bearings will have most impact on drive ability.
Oh, and don't forget, ditch now tires over 5 yrs old.
JS
JS
Just don't want you all to spend money on a 25 yr old vette unless it will do some good.
From someone who drives an 87 every day and has over 200k miles on it.
I replaced lower ball joints for nothing 7 or 8 years ago and the uppers are from day one.
IMO tie rod ends (both inner and outer) rack and wheel bearings will have most impact on drive ability.
Oh, and don't forget, ditch now tires over 5 yrs old.
JS
JS
The car drives well. For as easy a job as it is I don't see why not change them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,092
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From: orlando florida
St. Jude Donor '15
But if that's all that was needed, where's the issue?
Anyways it doesn't hurt to have the alignment checked. Like you said the car is a month old to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 147
From: St. Petersburg Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 120
From: orlando florida
St. Jude Donor '15
I will agree, get a printout to see what was done.