Wheel Alignment Needed????

[SLP]

Just had the two front lower ball joints replaced on my 2009 Toyota Rav 4. Driving home it wanted to go all over the road. It would just randomly pull to the left or right and I was very uncomfortable driving it, feeling like it could go off the road at any time. Scary feeling. Does it need a wheel alignment?

[Bernard Foy]

3 minutes ago, SLP said:

Just had the two front lower ball joints replaced on my 2009 Toyota Rav 4. Driving home it wanted to go all over the road. It would just randomly pull to the left or right and I was very uncomfortable driving it, feeling like it could go off the road at any time. Scary feeling. Does it need a wheel alignment?

Without a doubt there’s something wrong with the steering. Were the ball joints fitted by a reputable garage or by a diy mechanic ??. Definitely needs checking the alignment and wheel balancing at a reputable specialist.

[Cyker]

I think you should go back to whoever did it and make them fix it properly at their cost. It sounds like they've forgotten to tighten or attach something properly and you've got a nasty case of bump-steer...!

 

[SLP]

17 minutes ago, Bernard Foy said:

Without a doubt there’s something wrong with the steering. Were the ball joints fitted by a reputable garage or by a diy mechanic ??. Definitely needs checking the alignment and wheel balancing at a reputable specialist.

They were replaced by the garage I have been going to for the last 30 years.  But the mechanic didn't say anything about getting a wheel alignment done 

 

[SLP]

9 minutes ago, Cyker said:

I think you should go back to whoever did it and make them fix it properly at their cost. It sounds like they've forgotten to tighten or attach something properly and you've got a nasty case of bump-steer...!

 

Ok thanks. They are closed now, but I will call them first thing in the morning 

[Lawnmowerman]

Loose wheels??

[TonyHSD]

Usually on most Toyota cars if ball joints been replaced there is no need of wheel alignment as these has 3 bolts that align them into the suspension arm and the ball joint itself attaches to the knuckle, no way of adjustments or missed alignment. Incorrect fitting it is possible though, therefore best to re check with the mechanic and if everything ok including properly torqued wheel nuts then a all 4 wheel alignment will be necessary.
Sometimes a problems on the rear axle can make the car wobbly and makes you think the issues are from the front.
Also if the old front ball joints were badly worn out can compensate for the missed alignment on the rear axle, if this is the case then the new ball joints fitted can trigger that behaviour. Don’t fight with the mechanic before we are sure what exactly been the cause. 👍

[Pogle]

If it was just the ball joints that were replaced (and they have been fitted correctly) then an alignment check shouldn’t be needed. If however the whole control arms have been replaced then an alignment check will be necessary. Another possibility could be if you have directional tyres fitted check to make sure they are rotating the right way. If the wheels have both been off there could be a possibility of the being fitted back on the wrong side of the car and this could cause handling issues.