Alignment after front struts

[skinny2]

For those that have swapped struts, did it majorly throw you out of alignment?

I have my new front quick-struts and time to change them this weekend. Unfortunately my alignment shop can't get me in for a couple weeks. I can't really see why it would significantly change anything so I'd prefer to wait on my guy. Otherwise I'll just have to run it to a random tire shop and hope for the best.

[disallow]

I agree it shouldn't affect your alignment.

[smj999smj]

They usually don't affect your alignment much, if it all. But, since you said you gained a 1/2" in ride height with the new struts, I would definitely have a 4-wheel alignment performed when you get a chance.

[doctahjones]

technically, anytime your change a suspension component you should get an alignment...

but it really comes down to if it's changing your ride height at all. if it's an even swap or 1/2in you should be fine for a couple of weeks. if you're going 1.5-2in , then get it done asap.

[smj999smj]

Alignment after a front strut change isn't as much of an issue on the R51 as it is, for example, a Nissan car, which would have the steering knuckle bolted to the bottom of the strut. On the R51, the strut sits between a fixed bracket on the frame and connects to a point in the middle of the lower control arm, which has little affect on the wheel alignment unless the ride height is altered or changed.