Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After an Engine Overhaul?
2 Answers
Whether a wheel alignment is necessary after an engine overhaul depends on the situation. If the front wheel suspension and shock absorbers were disassembled during the engine overhaul, a wheel alignment should be performed after reassembly. However, if the front wheel shock absorbers and suspension were not disassembled during the engine overhaul, a wheel alignment is not required. Each of the car's four wheels has specific wheel alignment data, as the wheels are not simply perpendicular to the ground. The front wheels have camber and toe angles, and the rear wheels also have camber angles—these parameters must not be altered. If the wheel alignment data is incorrect, it can lead to reduced driving stability, compromised handling, and issues such as vehicle drift or uneven tire wear.
Engine overhaul mainly involves repairing internal engine components like cylinders and pistons, which isn't directly related to wheel alignment. Four-wheel alignment primarily deals with adjusting the angles of the suspension system to ensure tires don't pull or wear unevenly. I once encountered a car where the owner didn't get an alignment after an overhaul, and it drove with the steering wheel off-center. Upon inspection, we found some suspension screws had been accidentally adjusted. It cost less than a hundred bucks to fix. But if the tires wear out, replacing a new one starts at several hundred dollars. So I think if the vehicle was lifted or suspension parts were removed during the overhaul, it's best to check the alignment as well. Saving a small amount here can prevent bigger troubles, especially if you drive long distances or on highways—safety should come first. Prevention is always cheaper than repairs later.
