Is Alignment Required After Upper Ball Joint Recall?

Doug in Lakeview · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2011 6:30 pm

Hi all,

I had Safety Recall J17 (Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint Upper Ball Joints) performed on my 2002 Liberty Ltd yesterday. Prior to the service the alignment was good. After the service the vehicle pulls slightly to the right. Should a front end alignment have been performed by the dealer?

Doug in Lakeview
_________________________

2002 Jeep Liberty Ltd 4x4

BugginKJ · **Joined:** Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:35 pm **Posts:** 4576

An alignment should be done when any front end component is replaced that deals with steering. IMO I would make sure you have no other parts going out, make sure they installed them correctly and get a quality alignment done.
Edit: and welcome to the forum :JEEPIN:

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2011 7:27 pm

Howdy Doug Welcome to LOST

my preference is that any time you touch the suspension - you finish with an alignment
however I bought a lifetime alignment from Firestone.

When Jeep did the lower ball joint recall - they wouldn't do an alignment as part of it
(only if you paid extra)

the idea that it's not needed is a circular argument - if the original pieces weren't worn and it's perfectly replaced - then the alignment's not needed - but if nothing's worn - why are you replacing pieces???

Pote · **Posted:** Fri May 06, 2011 1:05 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

Howdy Doug Welcome to LOST

my preference is that any time you touch the suspension - you finish with an alignment
however I bought a lifetime alignment from Firestone.

When Jeep did the lower ball joint recall - they wouldn't do an alignment as part of it
(only if you paid extra)

the idea that it's not needed is a circular argument - if the original pieces weren't worn and it's perfectly replaced - then the alignment's not needed - but if nothing's worn - why are you replacing pieces???

boy did I learn that the hard way...had perfectly good ball joints but did the recall at a dealership some years ago...within 6 months the recalled ball joint replacements went out. the factory replacements are subpar at best. had to get a second set from my mechanic...good ones this time. since then, I've done a lift and its moot, but boy do the dealer's ball joints lack quality.

Doug in Lakeview · **Posted:** Mon May 09, 2011 12:42 am

Thanks for the feedback - I kinda knew that an alignment would be needed if any parts of the front end were replaced/adjusted. I was just hoping that Jeep (or the NTSA at least) would have recognized this and included a front end alignment in the Safety Recall Notice.

Duh!!!!! Why would I think that a vehicle manufacturer would do the right thing and re-align the vehicle after they replaced worn/defective ball joints?

I will be getting an alignment - at my cost this week.

Is Alignment Required After Upper Ball Joint Recall?

Who is online