Is an alignment necessary after changing the rear wheel bearing

[Scarpoolla]

I am having an indie Porsche repair shop put in a new left rear wheel bearing as mine is going bad. I have talked with the Porsche Dealer/Repair in the area and they said that a alignment($199) must be done after replacing the bearing. However, all the indie repair shops I have spoken with have said this is not necessary. Just wondering what the group thought of this recommendation.

I have a CS MY 2006 btw.

Edited June 7, 2011 by Scarpoolla

[PKN]

If the alignment was done at any time in the past when the bearing had play in it, I would get the alignment checked. If not, I would still have a local tire place check it out but the risk of tire wear or driveline vibration is probably very low...

PKN

[wvicary]

I would have the alignment done but not for that kind of money. Find a local garage that can do the work for a fraction of the cost.

[CTTinTO]

I am having an indie Porsche repair shop put in a new left rear wheel bearing as mine is going bad. I have talked with the Porsche Dealer/Repair in the area and they said that a alignment($199) must be done after replacing the bearing. However, all the indie repair shops I have spoken with have said this is not necessary. Just wondering what the group thought of this recommendation.

I have a CS MY 2006 btw.

it all depends on how the wheel bearing is replaced. According to the P-car service manual, they recommend leaving the knuckle in place and dropping the rear diff to remove the rear driveshaft. Once the shaft is out, the bearing can be pressed in/out while the knuckle is still on the car. You need a special press tool from Porsche although you could probably make an aftermarket one work as well.

When I did my bearing I chose not to remove the diff and driveshaft. Instead I disconnected all the suspension arms and removed the knuckle. Once out, I used a hydraulic press mounted on a frame to remove/installt he bearing. Because I disconnected the suspension, I did an alignment afterwards.

So if you go witht he first method, an alignment may not be necessary provided the bearing didn't have enough play and you did an alignment recently. Otherwise, just get an alignment done. But not for $200! thats a bit steep, even for a P-car dealer.