What parts must be in good condition in order for an alignment to hold up?

I have new lower ball joints on both sides, new tires, brake pads, lines, and rotors, wheel bearings.

Could my struts be the problem?

I guess my real question is what else should I change when I do struts, so my car will stay aligned, and not need more parts and another alignment. $70 bucks an alignment sucks!

Thanks guys

 

Worn tie rods won't hold a toe adjustment. Other than that I'm not sure, maybe the upper strut mount but don't think the actual strut could cause you to lose your alignment.

 

Since you have already done ball joints, look at tie rods, idler arm, center link, the bearings in the top of the strut mounts, and look for frame damage/cracking around the steering box. Also check the a-arm bushings to see what condition they are in.

I've never heard of a strut causing an alignment to not hold, but I guess if the strut is totally worn out and the rod in it is loose, it may move around and cause problems. But I'd check everything else out first.

 

Assuming ALL equipment is in good working order and the frame isn't bent... the problem might be your alignment SHOP.

My parents had an Oldsmobile that wore front tires out every few months. They'd buy new front tires, go back to the same place and get the alignment checked/set, and a few months later the sides were worn out again.

My best friend worked at another repair shop that did alignments, and I talked my Dad into going there. The car never wore the tires out again.

 

I think you guys are probably right when you say tie rods, center link, idler arm, because the metal pieces are coated in a nice rust finish! Looks like they could probably break any day now. I am thinking the struts are bad too though. Just because bumps in the road give my car hell.

Do you think these could cause severe shaking at high speeds (65-70mph), or is this probably a driveshaft balance?

both?


thanks for the replies though