Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Replacing the Lower Control Arm?
2 Answers
If there were no other abnormal phenomena before replacing the control arm (such as veering or severe tire wear) and the issue was solely due to the control arm, such as chassis noise or veering (a test drive can be conducted after replacement), then an alignment is not necessary. However, if there were pre-existing issues like the above before replacing the control arm, and after replacement, road testing still reveals faults, then an alignment adjustment is required to ensure driving safety. A four-wheel alignment refers to using the average propulsion direction of the rear wheels as the reference point to measure and correct the alignment angles of all four wheels. This ensures that all chassis components and tires maintain the proper geometric relationship during driving, allowing the driver to operate their vehicle correctly and comfortably while extending the lifespan of the tires and related chassis components.
A couple of days ago, I just had the left front lower control arm replaced on my car. The mechanic specifically reminded me to get a wheel alignment done afterward. He said the control arm is like the thigh bone of a car, connecting the wheel to the body, and replacing it changes the entire suspension geometry. Without an alignment, the steering wheel would gradually become misaligned, the tires would wear unevenly, and the car would feel unstable at high speeds. I watched as he used the equipment to measure the data—the front wheel camber was off by 1.5 degrees, no wonder it always felt like it was pulling to the right before. Now, after the alignment, the steering feels much more stable. I recommend getting an alignment done immediately after such a replacement, unlike my neighbor who waited half a year and ruined two tires.
