Need For Axle Alignment, Evaluating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Audi Q3 and 2023 Audi Q3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A wheel alignment is necessary if:

Vehicle shows handling problems.
Involved in an accident.
If axle components were removed and installed or replaced.
Tire wear patterns are uneven.

After REMOVING and REINSTALLING components.

Front Axle

Wheel alignment check required

Rear axle

Wheel alignment check required

Yes

Suspension Strut

Shock Absorber

Control Arm/Bonded Rubber Bushing

Coil Spring

Ball Joint

Wheel Bearing Housing

Subframe

X⁽¹⁾

Tie Rod End/Tie Rod

Lower Transverse Link

Steering Gear

Upper Transverse Link

Subframe

X⁽¹⁾

Tie Rod

Stabilizer Bar

Trailing Arm

Stabilizer Bar

⁽¹⁾	Even if the subframe was secured with the locating pins, an axle alignment may be necessary. Perform a road test. If the steering wheel is crooked, the wheels must be aligned.

After REPLACING components

Front Axle	Wheel alignment check required		Rear axle	Wheel alignment check required
	Yes	No		Yes	No
Suspension Strut		X	Shock Absorber		X
Control Arm/Bonded Rubber Bushing		X	Coil Spring		X
Ball Joint		X	Wheel Bearing Housing	X
Wheel Bearing Housing	X		Subframe	X
Tie Rod End/Tie Rod	X		Lower Transverse Link	X
Steering Gear	X		Upper Transverse Link	X
Subframe	X		Tie Rod	X
Stabilizer Bar		X	Trailing Arm	X
			Stabilizer Bar		X