Replaced ball joints...need an alignment?

Folkan · 02-19-2007, 09:18 PM

I feel like I should know the answer, but the guy who installed upper/lower ball joints said he didn't believe any alignment issues cropped up when they were replaced and that one probably isn't necessary. I found this kind of odd since it pretty much deals directly with steering, but wanted to be sure.

So is an alignment needed? Vehicle is a 2002 WJ.

TIA

shortyno10 · 02-19-2007, 09:34 PM

i would.

rdrbssr11 · 02-19-2007, 10:38 PM

ball joints are in a fixed location and can not be adjusted (oem at least) so i see no reason why your steering would be affected so much that an alignment is necessary. now a tie rod end....ya get one done.

WHEELeR · 02-20-2007, 12:39 AM

no, not necessary unless they fooled with the tie rod adjustment when unbolting the tie rod

stock ball joints are not adjustable, so even if the camber was out of spec after new joints, there would be nothing to do to get it back in spec short of bending your axle or reinstalling ajustable ball joints.

now is this an actual problem with steering or is the steerng wheel just off center

Folkan · 02-20-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHEELeR

no, not necessary unless they fooled with the tie rod adjustment when unbolting the tie rod

stock ball joints are not adjustable, so even if the camber was out of spec after new joints, there would be nothing to do to get it back in spec short of bending your axle or reinstalling ajustable ball joints.

now is this an actual problem with steering or is the steerng wheel just off center

No issues whatsoever driving it. If anything the steering seems "tighter" and more responsive. Steering wheel is centered.

nick in michigan · 02-21-2007, 01:02 PM

Definately suggested, but not needed. Since the camber is non adjustable with these jeeps anyway, it doesn't matter that happens with the balljoints.

I did find in a spicer catalog the other day some offset balljoints for Jeeps that will give you up + or - 2 degrees camber adjustment.

02-19-2007, 09:18 PM	#1
Folkan Registered Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: City of Champions Posts: 138 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Replaced ball joints...need an alignment? I feel like I should know the answer, but the guy who installed upper/lower ball joints said he didn't believe any alignment issues cropped up when they were replaced and that one probably isn't necessary. I found this kind of odd since it pretty much deals directly with steering, but wanted to be sure. So is an alignment needed? Vehicle is a 2002 WJ. TIA

02-19-2007, 09:34 PM	#2
shortyno10 Registered Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA Posts: 450 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i would. __________________ 99 Grand Cherokee V8 4" lift Carolina Driveshaft k&n FIPK full 3" exhaust with super 40 series muffler '05 GTO

02-19-2007, 10:38 PM	#3
rdrbssr11 Registered Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 647 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	ball joints are in a fixed location and can not be adjusted (oem at least) so i see no reason why your steering would be affected so much that an alignment is necessary. now a tie rod end....ya get one done. __________________ -04' ram 1500 quad cab short bed. mostly stock. -99' grand cherokee. stock. -95' grand cherokee. 4.5" w/ 33's.

02-20-2007, 12:39 AM	#4
WHEELeR Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: van down by the river Posts: 1,132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	no, not necessary unless they fooled with the tie rod adjustment when unbolting the tie rod stock ball joints are not adjustable, so even if the camber was out of spec after new joints, there would be nothing to do to get it back in spec short of bending your axle or reinstalling ajustable ball joints. now is this an actual problem with steering or is the steerng wheel just off center __________________ WHEELeR XJ

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-21-2007, 01:02 PM	#6
nick in michigan Registered Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 77 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Definately suggested, but not needed. Since the camber is non adjustable with these jeeps anyway, it doesn't matter that happens with the balljoints. I did find in a spicer catalog the other day some offset balljoints for Jeeps that will give you up + or - 2 degrees camber adjustment.