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GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

do i need alignment after lower ball joints replacement?

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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:12 AM
  #1  
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Default do i need alignment after lower ball joints replacement?

hi guys, i just changed my gs400 lower ball joints yesterday, they mechanic said the old were an accident waiting to happen, i have 95k miles on the car.
i went for a highway drive yesterday and drove around 100 miles i felt the car was not handling the same it used to, it wasnt well placed on the road as used to ....like it was going sudden left or right kinda like when its really windy outside and you drive , i was going around 80 and it wasn't that windy. so i duno what the problem is what do guys think?
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:32 AM
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If the technician that replaced the ball joints removed the lower control arm to replace the ball joints, Then yes you need an alignment. I believe the lower control arm has the camber/caster adjustments on them. So getting one is good practice period. Besides they say once a year for alignments is what you should be doing. As far as your car wondering on the road, It could very well be the alignment out, or your tires could be low on air pressure. I would say bring the car to a shop that uses the newest hunter or john bean alignment machines. Those are laser machines with panels that hang on the wheels. Those are very accurate. The older ones that have the projectors on the wheels are good too, but not as accurate. IMO
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 12:14 PM
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Get an alignment anyways. If your old balljoints were really worn, then your previous alignment would be no good.

I didn't have to get an alignment with my balljoint though because mine weren't really bad at all. I could have probably driven at least another 20k miles on them, but I changed it for the sake of safety.

The only thing you really touch when doing the balljoints are the tie rods. If they are adjusted in any way, then your alignment will be off.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 12:37 PM
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i was thinking alignment every 6 months is that too much?
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 01:06 PM
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YES.
You shouldn't need an alignment every 6 months.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 01:25 PM
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thanks guys, i was just scared that the ball joints were lose or somthing-hence the car driving weird will do alignment
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