Lower control arm question

[linksys42]

I was wondering if replacing the curved front control arm (pic below) would it affect the geometry of the suspension so that I will have to go get the car realigned? Or can I just pop it off and bolt the new one up. Thanks

 

[dewdew]

Alignment would not be necessary because this is a fixed piece. There are no adjustments either as a part of the unit or at mounting points, so technically your alignment would not change. The worn out ball joint can cause the alignment to change, but a new joint would in theory put everything back to where it should be. It is never a bad idea to have your alignment checked anyway, though.

 

[wret]

I agree,...sort of.

Although changing a control arm with an "exact" replacement should not have a great effect on alignment angles, I don't trust that the maufacturing tollerances are close enough that alignment would be unaffected. I would recommend an alignment check after a control arm change; eventually.

 

[ACM]

Toe will change slightly, and that is the single most significant component of tyre wear . Caster nor camber have a significant effect on tire wear, but toe does - dramatically.

Those are the three values that replacing the curved arm will affect.