recently went to tire discounters to get some new tires, and they told me both wheel bearings were bad and my tie rod end was bad? me being a diy'r on most car things i said ill fix em, but they refused an alignment til my problems were fixed, though the wheel bearings aren't making any noise yet, i figured i would change them once i had the extra money to pick up a press and the bearings and shims i may need to press it in, if i replace just the tie rod end will they be able to align my car?
The reason they won't do it is because they're loose - which means that their adjustment will change when you turn the steering wheel ( or ANYTHING ELSE) that causes your wheels to move. I would try to put the new tie rod end in the exact location of the old one, then wait until I could change the wheel bearings.
Alignments are very particular services. They require all components to be in order. Your mechanic is doing you a favor in suggesting to replace the parts instead of just doing it as well as possible'.. which usually means your pissing your money into the wind. Take the time needed to get your car fixed correctly, then take it in for a correct alignment.
Sure you can, but as soon as you back it off the rack, the alignment will change. Repack your wheel bearings before they burn up. It is easy and does not require a press (I generally do not use a press to do wheel bearings). Also change the seals while you are repacking the bearings.
You can't, but if it is a rear wheel drive car the front bearing may be adjustable in which case you or the mechanic can take out the play. Play may also be in the balljoints which definitely need replacement before aligning. Wheel bearing play would be felt in 3 and 9 o'clock positions as well.
As only one other person said, yes you can align a vehicle with shot bearings or steering system, though once you drive off it'll through everything off again resulting in you wasting money. You don't have to buy a press, any local parts store Napa/Autozone/etc. will have one you can rent. Once you replace the tierod ends and the bearings your car won't be as suicidal which in my books is a good investment.
