Is an alignment required after struts and/or CV Axle replacement?

[michael redmon]

Hello, I am trying to avoid doing 2 different alighnments if I can.

I have been changing out various front end parts on my car to improve the handling/stop the clunking noises. An alighnment was done last year after I replaced an outer tie rod and replaced the sway bar. Car traveled straight down the road afterwards. Recently I changed out both Lower Control Arms, motor mounts, transmission mount, and tonight I did the front struts (I will do the back struts and rear stabilizer links later this week).

Anyways, after doing the Lower Control Arms there was a slight pull to the left. After the front struts I test drove it real quick and the car traveled straight as an arrow. Will an alighnment always be required after replacing struts? Seems to travel pretty damn straight right now.

Also, I noticed some grease (see pic) under my CV Axle. I didnt think anything of it because my boots are totally sealed (I looked hard for rips or tears) and for some reason I thought "that grease must be from something else" My CV Axle only has a little play horizontally (maybe 1/8"). If I ended up changing the CV Axle at some point later, will I need an alighnment again? I did clean up the grease and I will reinspect after driving for a couple of days.

BTW, no other symptoms of a CV Axle failure that I notice. (unless one of the clunks I am chasing is caused by a failing CV Axle)

Thanks again. I will write up a review of the struts I got after I get them all in and drive on them for a thousand miles or so. They sure did raise the front end. So high that it will look stupid until I get the rears done also.

 

[Scottydoggs]

it recommended. if its going pretty straight, finish up the back 1/2, then get it done. id not go before the backs done, we get a 4 wheel alignment.

 

[michael redmon]

Thanks. I have another car which I am going to drive until I get the rears done. How a CV axle change? I am thinking that I won't need an alignment....true?

 

[Scottydoggs]

you should have done that while the lca was off. you can knock the ball joint free or take the two strut bolts out to free up the axle to remove it. your choice being it still need an alignment.

 

[michael redmon]

Thanks Scotty Dog! I will take the two strut bolts off and try that method to change the Axle, after 4 struts I am getting to be an expert at it. I pick up a new axle from Napa tomorrow. I have been reading up on the procedure to take it out. Sounds like I just "pop" it out when doing the passenger side. It also sounds like I just "pop" it back in.

I changed the rear struts tonight and I also new stabilizer links. One of them would f'in come off so I used my dremel to cut it off. PIA. Took 2.5 hours to do one side and 25 minutes to do the other side. Left wheels off to replace brake pads.

I really appreciate the help and this forum is a great. Who owns this forum site anyways??

 

[BillBoost37]

Strut change yes.. you need one.
CV, if you do the balljoint method, you don't need an alignment.

However for the small added cost, if you can find a place that does lifetime, it'll pay you back in the long run.

 

[rickisrad]

Unless you are putting camber bolts or have slotted struts you usually don't need an alignment. LCAs really you don't need an alignment either unless you have camber adjustments. I know people swear by an alignment after these replacements but I have done before and after measurements many times and there is rarely a change in readings. I have done 100s of alignments. if you do tie rods then yes it needs to be aligned.
Most auto shops will tell you it is a must because they want the easy money and it raises their profit margin for the days totals.

There will be people that say I am wrong but this is just my experience and opinion.
With this being said, you should get an alignment once a year regardless just because the toe will move around from hitting pot holes and stuff. It is also good protective measures to protect your tires just in case.

 

[michael redmon]

I am the king of the noobs.

Question. I got my CV Axle today from NAPA (new one). I understand I "pop" the axle out. When I put it in do I need to do anything with the "ring" found on the end? Just pop it in? Will it "snap" in? See picture.

Thanks in advance. I determined my axle is leaking around the retaining ring, no rips or tears. Not sure how much grease was lost. Noticed the grease as an afterthought. Is it stupid to change out a functioning OEM axle that is working for an aftermarket one that might not last? Slight 1/8" play horizontally.

 

[BillBoost37]

at the most.. put a little grease on it to hold it reasonably center. Hold it in place..get the splines lined up and give it a few good quick pushes to seat it. That's all it takes.

GM is nice and easy to learn on. Great platform. Parts are reasonable, doesn't require a ton of special tools and a little common sense runs a long ways.