I just put in new F struts (Monroe Quick, pre-assembled, $120 each), both F axles, new wheel bearing. Driving is SPOOKY!

Is just a front end alignment sufficient? And how much should an alignment cost?

THANKS

 

Did you have to disconnect the tie rods? Unless something was not installed correctly it should not affect drive ability that bad. An alignment may work or at least find out what is wrong.

 

No disconnect on tie rods or ball joints, although I did replace a wheel bearing.

 

if you put in quick struts with new springs....you should get an alignment. Anytime ride height is changed....which it will after old saggy springs are replaced...the toe settings will change.


If you put the old springs back; it probably won't be out much as the lower bolts are splined and have no room for movement. the upper mount has a little room movement but not much. If you drive it and the steering is off-centered, its out. If you have new, good tires, get it done to save the tires from irregular wear.


Since the rear axle is a dead axle with no adjustments they should be charging you for a 2 wheel thrust alignment which is 1.5 hours. Do not get a 2 wheel alignment. a 4wheel alignment is 2.0 hrs.


a 2 wheel thrust alignment uses 4 wheel mounted heads. This measures the rear alignment angles and sets the front toe to match the rear thrust angle. 2 wheel alignments should never be done anymore as they set the front toe up to a geometric centerline. Problem being, if the thrust angle is not zero...the front toe won't be set up correctly.

 

Depending on how long you plan on keeping the car and how conveniently located a Firestone shop is to you, you might consider getting the Firestone lifetime alignment deal. I bought it 5 years ago for my van for about the cost of 2 alignments and I'm to the point where I just have them do an alignment whenever I bring it in for a tire rotation.

 

Firestone will also do an alignment check for free and tell you it needs to be aligned before doing anything to it. At this point, you need an alignment check.

 

Interesting. $190 vs $80. Unfortunately the closest Firestone is too far away.

 

You need an alignment. I did struts on mine and it took 1 trip to work and back (30mi) to destroy my front tires, as the new ride height up front from new struts threw the whole alignment out.