W202: Is alignment nec after new susp bushes?

[1998c280estate]

Hi all,
Another wheel alignment question!
I've just finished replacing the control arm suspension bushes (aka front lower wishbone), front lower ball joints and steering damper on my 96k 1998 C280 Estate which I've owned from new (freeing the lower ball joints was a major pain - another story). Both the Haynes and Bentley manuals say I should now have the wheel/chassis/steering alignment checked (and I've seen posts mention this) but I can't see why. Everything goes back together in the same position it was originally, and there's nothing anywhere that can be adjusted (except the steering track rod ends, and they weren't touched other than simply separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle and then re-attaching). The raised shoulders of the big suspension bolts fit in the slots in the mountings snugly. I've driven the car on short runs in town and at highway speed and it handles perfectly with no pull, wander, judder, etc, exactly as it always has. Am I missing something? I know you can get special MB suspension bolts which can adjust camber etc, but why would I need these?
Thanks, John

 

[1998c280estate]

Wow, no replies? Nobody with a view out there? Surely I can't be the only person this has ever happened to?
Apparently proper wheel alignment checking should be carried out by a Hunter-equipped workshop/garage (not some guy at the tyre-fitters). It's easy, and not uncommon, for an untrained/underequipped operative to mess-up the car's alignment. The nearest Hunter place to me charges £88 just for the check, plus more for work+parts if required. This isn't simply checking the tracking, this covers camber and castor. So it's quite an important issue. And it's complicated by the fact that there's nothing that can actually be adjusted on the car (other than toe) without buying new parts (starting with adjustable camber bolts for the LCAs).
My question is whether it's really worth having the check when the car performs perfectly, with no wander/pull/judder or uneven tyre wear.
Any views?
Anyone?
John

 

[Rory]

It's bad enough that the same questions appear on both forums - do you expect everyone to write out their answers twice too?

 

[wheels-inmotion]

I assume the reason these where replaced was due to wear? i yes the new location of the wheels without the wear will change the Geometry positions. It would be wise to have the positions validated despite the good handling.