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The only way is if when they performed the bearing changeout, they disturbed the caster-camber settings at the top of the shock tower. This can happen if the shop doesn't have the correct puller tools/device, by repeatedly pounding on the knuckle to get the old bearings out, rough handling. I've seen mechanics in my old shop beat out bearings with a big sledge hammer, but alignments were checked on those before giving the customer the vehicle back.
Even if the steering knuckle was removed to facilitate bearing replacement, by removal of the attaching bolts, nuts and washers, and then reversing the procedure, that shouldn't have affected the alignment at all.
I just had two front wheel bearings and hubs replaced on the 2005 Honda Civic. The garage couldn't do an alignment - they don't have the capability. After this was done, the car pulls sharply to the right and starts to shake a little if going over 50mph. I'm thinking the alignment needs to be done. Could this be something else?
It's possible that when they removed the brake calpiers to change the wheel bearings, that they twisted the hose when they reinstalled it, causing on of the calipers to remain stuck causing a pull. I'd take it straight back and have them recheck everything.
And what shop doesn't have an alignment machine these days?
Neither hubs nor wheel bearings have any effect on alignment. I'm no mechanic but I can't think of any alignment-related parts that would need to be taken loose to do any brake/wheel/hub work. In fact, I would question a shop if they suggested an alignment after having done work as the OP describes. They would need to justify that in depth.
"they are potentially liable for a fatal accident."
IT's evident that you're no mechanic. On a Honda civic with McPherson struts, you must remove the spindle to press out the wheel bearing unless you have what's called a Hub Shark.
That will most certainly mess up the camber and toe settings upon reassembly.
Pretty much anytime you remove and replace any suspension component, there exists the possibility for settings to go out of whack. Take it back.
I apologized. Come to Wisconsin for a cup of my blood.
I didn't notice that you're from Wisconsin. I suppose that means you're a Packers fan - and that means that I hate you and you can go straight to hell.
It's possible that when they removed the brake calpiers to change the wheel bearings, that they twisted the hose when they reinstalled it, causing on of the calipers to remain stuck causing a pull. I'd take it straight back and have them recheck everything.
And what shop doesn't have an alignment machine these days?
My hand is raised.
Expense, plus liability, plus the time spent doing alignments would detract from other things, equals "No thank you."
I apologized. Come to Wisconsin for a cup of my blood.
Well, just dont going around passing your wild guesses as knowledge. You really dont have much experience and havent worked on many cars if you honestly thought you were correct in how many, 2, 3 posts... If youre not POSITIVE dont try to pass off to the even less informed as fact what you dont know about. Passing on misinformation helps NO ONE.
Since you're a mechanic, how often should I get my car aligned?
Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer to that question. Vehicle design, necessary repairs, road conditions, driving style, etc. - all factor in to the equation.
Expense, plus liability, plus the time spent doing alignments would detract from other things, equals "No thank you."
That's why you have one dedicated guy to do it. Alignments are money makers. Not the alignment itself, but the 50% of cars that come in for one and have loose front end parts. Of course, they have to be fixed before it can be aligned.
Also, the new Hunter DSP machines make it so fast and idiot proof, I can often do a 4 wheel alignment in under 25 minutes.
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Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer to that question. Vehicle design, necessary repairs, road conditions, driving style, etc. - all factor in to the equation.
My car is almost 2 years old and I never had an alignment done. It doesn't shake when I drive though and I take my car to the dealer so wouldn't they tell me if I need it done or not?
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