Do you need an alignment after front axle seal replacement?

[Chris B.]

That is the question. 2 months ago I had my left front axle seal repaired for a leak. I then had it aligned because the idler arm and pitmen arm are were also replaced so I had to align it.

Now 2 months later the same front axel is leaking again and will have to be fixed again. Will I need to have it aligned again after the axel repair?
thank you!

Forgot to mention the truck is a 1997 Tahoe.

 

[Papa Bear]

4X4

 

[Chris B.]

quote:

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Originally posted by Papa Bear:
4X4

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Yes

 

[Chris B.]

Bump! Someone has to know!

 

[Bret Chase]

no, you shouldn't have to. there's no reason to mess with any of the steering parts while dropping the IFS unit out.

 

[eljefino]

If you just remove ball joints to get the knuckle out to get the axle out you won't need an alignment.

If you have a strut (rare on 4wd trucks) or something held in place to the knuckle that changes position when you loosen the bolt(s) you will need one. Ditto if any holes are larger than the diameter of what fastens through them, for example, elongated.

If you have something else like a radius arm that has a threaded end you will want to mark how far on it's screwed, paint is good for this. Booger it and you need an alignment.

 

[Bret Chase]

it's a tahoe.. all they've got to do is remove the 4 bolts on the drive shaft, the 12 bolts (6 each) holding the cv shafts on, unplug 2 connectors ,and the 4 bolts that hold the axle in the truck, then rotate the axle forward as you lower it. there's no need to even touch a ball joint or tie rod end.

and Chris b. they all leak, it's just what those ifs units do, unless the gear oil is running out like water, I personally would have left it alone.

 

[Chris B.]

Thanks to all!!!