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Alignment needed after new ball joints?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Spandau, Oct 3, 2013.

  1. Oct 3, 2013 at 11:32 AM
    #1
    Spandau

    Spandau [OP] New Member

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    Have lurked here for many months now, excellent forum!

    I recently installed 4 new ball joints on my 96 Tacoma 2WD after it dropped the driver side lower while backing out of a driveway.

    The problem is the driver side front wheel seems like it has too much toe in? The top of the wheel leans out further than the bottom, and any driving above 30MPH has that wheel screeching a bit, like it is fighting something.

    Would having my front end realigned solve this? And what is a typical rate for a realignment job?

    Thanks for any information!

    P1000609.jpg
     
  2. Oct 3, 2013 at 1:30 PM
    #2
    offrdmania

    offrdmania Taco Wagon

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    I would just to be safe. if it was aligned with bad ball joints then the alignment would be out of whack the moment you roll it off of the alignment rack. Peace of mind is worth $59.95 in my book.
     
  3. Oct 3, 2013 at 7:50 PM
    #3
    Hansel

    Hansel Well-Known Member

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  4. Oct 3, 2013 at 7:54 PM
    #4
    taco terror

    taco terror 1st gen = best gen

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    Well you didn't damage anything else when it dropped did you, bad wheel bearing now?
     
  5. Oct 3, 2013 at 8:03 PM
    #5
    Taco Dan

    Taco Dan Well-Known Member

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    Definately align!!!
     
  6. Oct 4, 2013 at 6:06 AM
    #6
    Hansel

    Hansel Well-Known Member

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    regarding the wheel bearing(s), you can google how to check for bad wheel bearings and check them just to make sure they are ok. If not, they will need to be adjusted or replaced before you get the wheel alignment.
     
  7. Oct 4, 2013 at 9:09 AM
    #7
    taco terror

    taco terror 1st gen = best gen

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    This, it isn't that difficult to check wheel bearings. You can look it up on google, just jack up the truck, grab the wheel and check for play.

    Screeching noises don't sound to me like an alignment issue, even though you probably need one anyways.
     
  8. Oct 4, 2013 at 10:53 AM
    #8
    Spandau

    Spandau [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the replies!

    I checked over the bearings when I put on the new ball joints, all seems well there.

    I've done some research on alignment, and came across this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aw9ZIO0JFM

    Using his method of measuring toe in, my driver side is toe in by 3/4" and the passenger by 1/2". Am currently attempting to correct this* but like every other fastener on this truck, the tie rods refuse movement even after wire brushing, heat, and repeated dousing in Kroil :annoyed:

    *Not doing any kind of home alignment, just trying to get the tires straight so I can actually drive it 10 miles over 55MPH roads to get it done proper---as it is, I do not feel safe driving it.
     
    01Montaco likes this.
  9. Oct 4, 2013 at 2:05 PM
    #9
    tacomataco2

    tacomataco2 A dude

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    Some of this Some of that
    If the suspension came apart, and is now a screeching noise is happening, something is wrong. Check over your suspension very carefully, something could have bent when the separation occurred.. I would say definetly get it aligned at a reputable shop
     
  10. Oct 4, 2013 at 2:06 PM
    #10
    Spoonman

    Spoonman Granite Guru

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    Always after new front end parts
     

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