Need For Axle Alignment, Evaluating

A wheel alignment is necessary if:

Vehicle shows handling problems.
Involved in an accident.
If certain axle components were removed and installed or replaced. Refer to the tables
Tire wear patterns are uneven.

After REMOVING and REINSTALLING components.

Front axle

Wheel alignment check required

Rear axle

Wheel alignment check required

Yes

Front Upper Control Arm

Front Upper Transverse Link

Rear Upper Control Arm

Rear Upper Transverse Link

Lower Guide Link

Front Lower Transverse Link

Lower Control Arm

Rear Lower Transverse Link

Ball Joint

Suspension Strut

Shock Absorber

Coil Spring

Shock Absorber Fork

Wheel Bearing Housing

Tie Rod

Tie Rod End

Steering Gear

Subframe Crossbrace

Subframe

X ⁽¹⁾

Subframe

X ⁽²⁾

Stabilizer Bar

Coupling Rod

⁽¹⁾	Even if the subframe was secured with the locating pins, an axle alignment may be necessary. Perform a road test. Refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING → A road test must be performed after completing repairs. If the steering wheel is crooked, the wheels must be aligned.

⁽²⁾	Even if the subframe was secured with the locating pins, an axle alignment may be necessary. Perform a road test. Refer to Installing → A road test must be performed after completing repairs. If the steering wheel is crooked, the wheels must be aligned.

After REPLACING components

Front axle	Wheel alignment check required		Rear axle	Wheel alignment check required
	Yes	No		Yes	No
Front upper control arm / bonded rubber bushing		X	Front Upper Transverse Link	X
Rear upper control arm / bonded rubber bushing		X	Rear Upper Transverse Link	X
Lower guide link / bonded rubber bushing	X		Front Lower Transverse Link		X
Lower control arm / bonded rubber bushing	X		Rear Lower Transverse Link	X
			Bonded Rubber Bushing, Subframe		X
Ball Joint	X
Suspension Strut		X	Shock Absorber		X
Coil Spring		X	Coil Spring		X
Shock Absorber Fork		X
Wheel Bearing Housing		X	Wheel Bearing Housing	X
Tie Rod	X		Tie Rod	X
Tie Rod End	X
Steering Gear	X
Subframe Crossbrace		X
Subframe	X		Subframe	X
Stabilizer Bar		X	Stabilizer Bar		X
Coupling Rod		X	Coupling Rod		X