I have a 2000 A6 that has a bad upper front right ball joint. I know that the ball joint is a part of the control arm, and that whole part has to be replaced.

My question is, do I need an alignment after? Or can I just have the control arm replaced and then go on my merry way?

Thanks

 

the tire will be out of alignment even if you take best precautions to mark all areas.

 

Thank you - that was the information I was looking for. It's my first time owning an Audi and there are a lot of things I will need to be informed about!

 

They aren't cheap to maintain. Easily 40% more than a Japanese car. We just got rid of our 2001 A6, owned for 5 years, drove very well but lots of things needed work. We bought it cheap as a rebuild and were quite happy with it. Recently got a 2007 A6 wagon and loving that to death.