I just replaced the low ball joints on my '93 Previa. I have some questions and hope can get some answers. Question 1. What are the functions of the low ball joint? The haynes manual says it's part of the steering system. Question 2. - Do I need an alignment?
The lower ball joint allows the suspension to travel while keeping the wheel at a right angle to the pavement (along with the lower control arm it's mounted in). You shouldn't need an alignment for just a lower ball joint.
*most* toyotas do not require a realignment after replacing the lower ball joint. Did you have to loosen the tie rod to do this?
The other side of the coin is, you *did* replace a part in the steering/suspension. If you have had a recent alignment, it was done with worn parts and may need to be checked. Some garages will do this for free or a nominal charge.
The lower ball joint carries a portion of the vehicle's weight on it and obviously it facilitates steering the vehicle. ANYTIME you replace a ball joint or control arm bushings or steering components, the job is NOT finished until an alignment is done. This goes for ALL vehicles.
I replaced a power steering rack on a Canadian XJ12 one time (thank God only once) and told the owner that he *must* go get an alignment if he wanted the car to be safe and to drive properly. I purposely left the steering wheel askew as a reminder..... the bonehead came back to the shop a year later with the steering wheel in the same position. "Did you get an alignment after I installed that steering rack?," I asked...
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