Is it absolutely necessary to get an alignment after replacing front struts?
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Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 437
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From: Atlanta, GA/ Clemson, SC
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Transmission: T56
Is it absolutely necessary to get an alignment after replacing front struts?
I just replaced the struts on my car. After doing this, I read that you need to take it to an alignment shop after replacing them. Is this absolutely necessary? I have driven probably about 200 miles since then including about 150 miles from Atlanta to Clemson at about 90 mph with no problems. i can't feel any problems with the alignment or steering.
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1991 Z28 - 350 TPI, T56, Centerforce Dual Friction clutch, ported plenum & runners, AFPR, Holley Annihilator ignition box and wires, Hooker shorty headers w/o AIR, no cats, Flowmaster muffler, homeade ram-air, SSM subframe connectors, Steve Spohn adjustable torque arm and T56 crossmember
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1991 Z28 - 350 TPI, T56, Centerforce Dual Friction clutch, ported plenum & runners, AFPR, Holley Annihilator ignition box and wires, Hooker shorty headers w/o AIR, no cats, Flowmaster muffler, homeade ram-air, SSM subframe connectors, Steve Spohn adjustable torque arm and T56 crossmember
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
The idea rises from the fact that the car was probably aligned at some point in time with worn-out struts. Since our cars use the Macpherson strut design, with no upper control arm, the strut's position affects caster & camber.
Like you experienced, it might not be drastically enough, hell, you might not even feel a difference. I guess you could tell by checking out the tire wear pattern.
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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
Like you experienced, it might not be drastically enough, hell, you might not even feel a difference. I guess you could tell by checking out the tire wear pattern.
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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,860
Likes: 3
From: NE
Car: 82 camaro SC
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
If it's been more than a year since your last alignment, chances are you need an alignment anyway.
If it was aligned with the worn out struts, your alignment will be a little off. Also, the strut specs vary from one brand to another and some have a little play in the bottom holes. I would do it.
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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro
If it was aligned with the worn out struts, your alignment will be a little off. Also, the strut specs vary from one brand to another and some have a little play in the bottom holes. I would do it.
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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,451
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From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Do what I did and go get yourself a Lifetime Alignment. Yeah, it'll cost ya about $100 but I go in every other month to make sure my crap is good to go. You ever wonder why we can put men into space but we can't get smooth roads? Makes me nuts...
Steve
Steve
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