Do I need alignment after installing shocks?

[Checkered-Member]

This shop is blowing smoke up my a$$ that I need alignment after installing shocks, I know that I need alignment after lowering the car, but after putting in new shocks…Are they for real?

[Streetpro09]

Ya there for reall. When you put new shocks on it changes your camber which will drastially were your tires out.

[Stuntman240]

mmm hmmm

[Altiman94]

^ get the 1 year/lifetime alignment if that is possible, that way if you ever do suspension work, or just **** up your car badly, you can go in and get an alignment free of charge

[DAEDALUS]

I assume the springs are the same and only the struts were changed. If so, then why would the ride height be different? Struts apply almost zero force when the car's standing still.

[Checkered-Member]

I assume the springs are the same and only the struts were changed. If so, then why would the ride height be different? Struts apply almost zero force when the car's standing still.

that’s what I’m saying...

[Grant@tirerack]

While it may not be true for some cars, most of the time when you remove struts and replace them you will have to tear down the whole suspension i.e. tie rod ends, strut mounts, ball joints. Unless they can do that without changing the alignment settings on that hardware (which is doubtful) the car will have to be realigned.

[Checkered-Member]

While it may not be true for some cars, most of the time when you remove struts and replace them you will have to tear down the whole suspension i.e. tie rod ends, strut mounts, ball joints. Unless they can do that without changing the alignment settings on that hardware (which is doubtful) the car will have to be realigned.

Ahh….yes I see now…thank you for your feedback.