Pro tip : if the car doesn't need an alignment, keep the knuckle attached at the top and simply disconnect the ball joint under the knuckle. You shouldn't need an alignment, though probably only if the CV axle is the same model as the previous one (though OEM specs are OEM specs…so it still shouldn't need one.).
If you disconnect the top of the knuckle, you need an alignment.
Pro tip : if the car doesn't need an alignment, keep the knuckle attached at the top and simply disconnect the ball joint under the knuckle. You shouldn't need an alignment, though probably only if the CV axle is the same model as the previous one (though OEM specs are OEM specs…so it still shouldn't need one.).
If you disconnect the top of the knuckle, you need an alignment.
TORQUEWRENCH ON THE NUT, YA SAVAGE!