replace lower ball joint = needs alignment?

[lairdwd]

My 93 beater nissan altima does not have an upper ball joint. Just a single ball joint on the control arm to the steering knuckle.
I've searched the web high and low and cannot find a definitive answer if an alignment is needed after replacing a ball joint for this configuration.

Reason I ask is that I desperately need a 4 wheel alignment for the tires I bought. However, I want to wait on the ball joint work until later on when I can have the mechanic do some other non-suspension work at the same time.


Thanks,
Bill

 

[StevieC]

Do you have a threaded adjustment with a nut?

If so measure both with a tape measure off the vehicle to ensure uniform size. If so then you are ok. If not then adjust so the total length is the same as before.

My dad and I have done alignments in the driveway this way and when put on a machine they are well within spec's and all he used was a tape-measure and a level on the wheel! (Not needed in your case)

If you can afford it I would have an alignment done if you haven't had one ever or in a while as it can change with driving over things, suspension sagging with age, vibration and worn parts etc.

 

[The_Jeff]

More than likely you will. Even replacing tie rod ends and running the new ones to the untouched jam nut I have needed an alignment because of part-to-part tolerances.

 

[Nyquist]

If you have to replace the control arms on that like you do with some other applications, then you will definitely need an allignment. If you aren't waiting on other suspension work, I would just get it done. There's no sense in chewing up a set of tires over this.

 

[lairdwd]

Originally Posted By: Nyquist
If you have to replace the control arms on that like you do with some other applications, then you will definitely need an allignment. If you aren't waiting on other suspension work, I would just get it done. There's no sense in chewing up a set of tires over this.


The ball joint can be removed from the control arm and replaced. Also, there is no threading into the control arm. It needs to be pressed out. That's what was done on the other side, which was replaced 10K ago . It's hard to tell if that replacement caused alignment problems because the tires were already worn unevenly. It certainly didn't make it any worse though.

 

[JHZR2]

Any time I mess with suspension parts I feel an alignment is a smart move. You never know what has happened to the geometry either due to where parts are fit or less worn parts taking the place of more worn parts.

 

[mechtech2]

Measuring anything now is useless. You are measuring variable loose parts!
Get your new parts and then align it.
Otherwise, you will have to do it twice.
This is the proper sequence.

 

[tgferg67]

The OP wants to know whether to get an alignment on his new tires now or to wait until a later date when the ball joint work is done.

You can not get a proper alignment until the ball joint is replaced anyways so you have to wait.

 

[mechtech2]

Look in to replacing the ball joint yourself.
They can be remarkably easy on FWD cars.
And save substantial $!
BTW, it's best to get good ones for a few dollars more, and do both sides.