After replacing struts on your vehicle, it is highly recommended to have an alignment performed.
Struts are a critical component of your vehicle’s suspension system, responsible for absorbing the impact from bumps and maintaining stability while driving. When struts are replaced, it can affect the alignment settings of the vehicle, resulting in uneven tire wear, decreased handling performance, and potential safety issues.
Let’s see how important it is to have an aligned vehicle for safety.
Importance Of Alignment After Replacing Struts
Replacing your car’s struts is a big job that can often seem daunting. But, getting the alignment correct after replacing your struts is crucial to ensuring that your car drives and handles safely. Let’s see the importance of alignment after strut replacement.
Ensures Proper Ride Height
It is important to have proper alignment after replacing a strut because it ensures the ride height remains consistent.
Maximum Ride Comfort
A car’s suspension is designed to ensure the maximum possible ride comfort by keeping the wheels in alignment. When you replace a strut, it’s important to have the new strut aligned with the other suspension components.
Improve Safety
When it comes to the safety of you and your passengers, proper alignment is key after replacing struts. Struts are essential for keeping your car in line, so they must be installed and aligned correctly.
Read also: Exploring the Benefits of Improved Ride Quality
What Happens If You Align Incorrectly After Replacing Strut
If you’re one of the many drivers who’ve replaced a car strut, you know that proper alignment is key to maintaining your car’s performance. But what happens if you get it wrong?
Start Problem With Steering and Braking
One common problem is that the car pulls to one side when you brake or steer. This is usually because the strut isn’t aligned correctly after being replaced. If this happens, take your car to a mechanic and have them fix it.
Bounce a Lot
Another common issue that can occur is that the car feels like it’s bouncing more than usual after you’ve replaced the strut. Again, take it to a mechanic if this happens, as they should be able to adjust it so that it rides smoothly again.
Affect the Car’s Handling
If the new strut isn’t aligned properly, it can cause excessive wear on other parts of the suspension and affect the car’s handling. So before you drive your car after replacing a strut, make sure to take it to a qualified mechanic for an alignment check.
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FAQ
Do I need an alignment after installing new shocks?
In general, if your vehicle has the older style front suspension typically found on rear-wheel-drive cars and trucks then you don’t need an alignment after replacing the shocks.
Do I need an alignment after replacing the rear struts?
You should get an alignment after replacing your rear struts. This will help to keep the vehicle in perfect driving condition and also ensure that all of its parts are balanced correctly, thus reducing any possible future issues or accidents with this part going out on you while moving downrange.
How long do new struts settle before alignment?
It’s generally recommended to wait 4 to 5 days and drive approximately 300 miles before getting an alignment after installing new struts. This allows the struts to properly settle under the vehicle’s weight and movement.
Can you replace struts without alignment?
Yes, you can replace struts without doing an alignment right away, but it’s advisable to get an alignment soon after. This ensures proper suspension alignment, preventing uneven tire wear and maintaining optimal handling.
Can a bad strut cause misalignment?
Yes, a bad strut can cause misalignment. The strut is responsible for maintaining the correct ride height and alignment of the vehicle. If it is not functioning properly, it can cause the car to be out of alignment and lead to other problems.
Can I Get an Alignment With Bad Struts?
When it comes to getting an alignment with bad struts, it is important to consider the overall condition of your vehicle. Struts are an integral part of your car’s suspension system, responsible for absorbing shocks and maintaining stability on the road. If your struts are worn out or damaged, it can affect the alignment of your vehicle.
When replacing struts What else should be replaced?
It’s a good idea to replace the sway bar links when you replace the struts. Sway bar links help keep the car stable and straight when driving, and if they’re worn out, it can cause the car to sway or wobble. Replacing them at the same time as the struts will ensure that your car drives smoothly and safely.
Do you need an alignment after replacing the control arms?
Control arm replacement can be a tricky and delicate procedure, which is why it’s important to get an alignment after the job has been completed.
Do you need an alignment after replacing the tires?
Align your wheels after the installation of new tires. It is always best to get an alignment check annually or twice yearly if you typically drive on rough roads.
Final Words
I recommend that you go for alignment if your suspension has been changed, like struts or springs. You should do this at a certified mechanic’s shop to make sure everything is aligned properly and bring back comfort in your ride.
