Running gear, axles, steering

Necessity of wheel alignment, torsion beam axle

~1min read

Wheel alignment is necessary if:

The vehicle does not handle properly.

Vehicle has been involved in an accident and components have been renewed.

Axle components are removed or renewed.

Tyres wear on one side.

Components have been renewed

Front axle component was renewed. Alignment necessary Rear axle component renewed Alignment necessary
Yes No Yes No
Lower suspension link X Shock absorber X
Bonded rubber bush for suspension link X Coil spring X
Wheel bearing housing X Axle beam X
Track rod/track rod ball joint X
Steering rack X
Subframe X
Suspension strut X
Anti-roll bar X → Remark
  1. Prerequisite: the subframe and brackets were fixed in position before removing → Chapter.

Components removed and installed

Front axle component removed and reinstalled Alignment necessary Rear axle component removed and reinstalled Alignment necessary
Yes No Yes No
Lower suspension link X → Remark Shock absorber X
Wheel bearing housing X Coil spring X
Track rod/track rod ball joint X Axle beam X
Steering rack X
Subframe X → Remark
Suspension strut X
Anti-roll bar X → Remark
  1. Prerequisite: the subframe and brackets were fixed in position before removing. → Chapter

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.