do i need an alignment??

[Scott]

I just replaced the driver’s side upper control arm on my daughters ’99 Honda Civic EX. The guys at the Autoparts store said that I should not need to get an alignment. I have noticed that the steering wheel seems to be slightly tilted to the right and yet the car drives straight as an arrow. I just put new tires on this car and I don’t want to chew them up. Were these guys right? Do I need to drop $70-80 on an alignment?

Thank you in advance for your comments.
Scott

Topic

[college man]

if it were me I would have the alignment done. I would also
have the alignment shop straighten the steering wheel so its
straight. not worth chewing up new tires.

[cedicol]

Chances are you need that alignment. A way of testing this is by driving the car for 400 miles and check for wear on the tires. If all goes well you notice no difference, otherwise you will have to spend some bucks to get that thing done.

[Scott]

Thanks for the advise guys. I did neglect to mention that a couple of months ago, I
had a brand new steering rack installed which required an alignment. I did the control arm myself to save some money (really easy job!) and now its back to get another alignment! ugh

[Lee Ann]

I agree with collegeman.

Protect your investments of time and money. Yeah it may seem a little inconvenient now but it will save you headache later.

[Brian]

I would say yes, when replacing steering components an alignment is usually necessary, and if the steering wheel is tilted but your driving straight, that would also indicate that you may need an alignment.

[Author]

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