Installing new front struts > Will I need another alignment?
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: SW Florida
Installing new front struts > Will I need another alignment? I just spent $70 to get the front end aligned at the Pont. dealer.
My original front struts and rear shocks now need to be replaced. I bought a set of [take-off] De'Carbon struts and shocks from SLP way back in 98. Got them for almost nothing. I want to now install these on my 98 TA.
Do I really need to get another front end alignment after replacing the front struts with basically the same that are coming off the car?
Sure hate to spend another 70 bucks for another alignment.
BTW, the car has 39,000 miles on it.
Thanks,
Ron
My original front struts and rear shocks now need to be replaced. I bought a set of [take-off] De'Carbon struts and shocks from SLP way back in 98. Got them for almost nothing. I want to now install these on my 98 TA.
Do I really need to get another front end alignment after replacing the front struts with basically the same that are coming off the car?
Sure hate to spend another 70 bucks for another alignment.
BTW, the car has 39,000 miles on it.
Thanks,
Ron
Re: Installing new front struts > Will I need another alignment? Yes and no. Whenever you disassemble suspension parts that may affect alignment, you should have it checked. (removing the upper control arm and mounts will possibly affect alignment). When I lowered my 2002 Z28, the alignment shop said it was actually still in specs (even though I simply lowered it by changing springs and shocks and drove it there, I didn't try to align anything). So, you may be ok, but technically, I should tell you to go get it checked. National tire and battery (NTB) told me it was in specs and was no charge (but I had them change the specs and paid them anyway).
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 2
From: SW Florida
Re: Installing new front struts > Will I need another alignment? trackbird ....
Thanks for the resonse. It's allways nice to have someone knolegable about brakes and suspension parts around here.
Again, Thanks
Thanks for the resonse. It's allways nice to have someone knolegable about brakes and suspension parts around here.
Again, Thanks
Re: Installing new front struts > Will I need another alignment? Glad to help.
By the way. When you remove the front shocks, you don't have to pull the balljoints like everyone says to do (that is the hard way). Just remove the sway bar end link, remove the 4 bolts from the inner fender and simply "step on the studs", the mounting studs in the fender (2 studs, 2 bolts under the hood) will pull down through and the upper control arm, shock, spring and all will swing out under the fender. Lift the a arm off the shock mounting studs and turn it 90 degrees (balljoints rotate), unbolt the lower shock bolts and lift the shock and spring out. You can do them in about 20 minutes per side this way and no beating on balljoints. I gave this method to Levi (cannibal) and he said it worked great for him as well.
To install, bolt the shock to the lower arm, set the a arm mount over the studs on top of the shock and give it a firm shove, it will drop back into the holes (it takes a good shove or so and is easier with a friend to guide you on which way to push it, but it still beats replacing ballljoint boots and such....)
Just my opinion....
Good luck!
By the way. When you remove the front shocks, you don't have to pull the balljoints like everyone says to do (that is the hard way). Just remove the sway bar end link, remove the 4 bolts from the inner fender and simply "step on the studs", the mounting studs in the fender (2 studs, 2 bolts under the hood) will pull down through and the upper control arm, shock, spring and all will swing out under the fender. Lift the a arm off the shock mounting studs and turn it 90 degrees (balljoints rotate), unbolt the lower shock bolts and lift the shock and spring out. You can do them in about 20 minutes per side this way and no beating on balljoints. I gave this method to Levi (cannibal) and he said it worked great for him as well.
To install, bolt the shock to the lower arm, set the a arm mount over the studs on top of the shock and give it a firm shove, it will drop back into the holes (it takes a good shove or so and is easier with a friend to guide you on which way to push it, but it still beats replacing ballljoint boots and such....)
Just my opinion....
Good luck!
