Wheel AlignmentHi,

[vb_bn]

Hi,

How often should I get a wheel alignment for a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE?

Thanks for any replies.

SIncerely,vb_bn

[sweet3rdgen]

I usually go every spring and at least have my guy put it on the rack and check the alignment. That only costs $30.

If you do any work to your suspension (struts, springs, rod ends, bushings) then you should always have it aligned. If you do anything to your steering, also have it aligned. It is a good idea to have it aligned with each new set of tires as well.

Honestly if you don't hit anything or you don't constantly drive on really bad roads (tho all of the roads here would qualify as really bad) then you probably don't need to check it until it starts to pull or you get a vibration.

[nafddur]

How often should I get a wheel alignment for a 1997 Nissan Maxima SE?

If your tires are wearing evenly and your steering feels OK (ie no pulls), you don't need an alignment at all. Needing an alignment when you get new tires is a myth perpetuated by people who sell tires AND do alignments.

I got the first alignment done recently on my 95 SE at 192K miles - Only after getting my original struts replaced.

[vb_bn]

Thanks for your reply. Your struts lasted a long time. R&S strauss recommends I change mine but I don't believe them. I think they're trying to make money. Do you think I should get my struts changed. I have 82K miles on the car.

[nafddur]

Thanks for your reply. Your struts lasted a long time. R&S strauss recommends I change mine but I don't believe them. I think they're trying to make money. Do you think I should get my struts changed. I have 82K miles on the car.

Problem with struts is that they deteriorate so slowly, most people (like me) wait too long to replace them. Though 82K miles sounds early to me, waiting to 192K was definitely too long.

There is no right answer as to when to change struts. But I do know that the ride is WAY better on mine with the new ones.