Front End Alignment and Part Replacement

[rgorke]

What part replacements require front end alignment? I want to make sure I replace everything that would require alignment all at once.

Front lower control arms
Tie rods
What else?

 

[joegr]

Upper control arms, knuckles.

 

[rgorke]

Upper control arms, knuckles.

Thanks, I wouldn’t have thought the upper control arms would affect alignment.

 

[04_Sport_LS]

knuckles.

Obviously this means ball joints rgorke.

Sagging springs will affect alignment... and yes... since the upper contol arm has a ball joint... Joe is correct sbout them as well.

Check the bushings in the steering rack. If they are worn, or the bolts are loose... it will cause problems with a good alignment reading.

I actually found my rack bolts loose the last time I had an alignment done. Besides the play in the wheel... it was bad enough to cause the steering wheel angle sensor to apply one of the front brakes.

IIRC... rack bolt torque is 75 lb-ft. I think I did 85 lb-ft.

 

[rgorke]

Thanks...I figured the ball joint was the knuckle reference. I picked up some very low mileage Motorcraft front lower arms.

what are some brands that are trustworthy for the upper arms, tie rods, etc?
Lemforder?
Uro?

is there a part number for a Motorcraft front lower ball joint? 16mm

 

[04_Sport_LS]

I would recommend Lemforder. While they supply aftermarket parts... they are an OEM supplier for Jaguar.

There is no separate Motorcraft ball joint. You have to buy the whole knuckle to get it.

Moog used to make a good ball joint. Can't say now since there is very little U.S. production of Moog parts.

Moog would probably still be my first choice for a separate ball joint... but keep in mind that they are tricky to press out and in. It is very easy to crack the aluminum hole where the ball joint goes... or bend the knuckle.

Moog K500085 is the 16mm Gen 2 ball joint... but as already mentioned... unless you have alot of experience worling with aluminum... you might just want to buy new knuckles.