Does Replacing Front Struts Affect Wheel Alignment?

[EddieC]

On a Tahoe, would replacing oem struts with aftermarkets of similar application (not intentionally raised or lowered) affect wheel alignment. The paperwork for the replacements did note that ride height might be a bit increased until the springs "settled". Actually it does appear to be about 3/4" taller and I suppose "settling" might refer to years of fatigue.

 

[wjburken]

On a Tahoe, would replacing oem struts with aftermarkets of similar application (not intentionally raised or lowered) affect wheel alignment. The paperwork for the replacements did note that ride height might be a bit increased until the springs "settled". Actually it does appear to be about 3/4" taller and I suppose "settling" might refer to years of fatigue.

I have never seen any issues with alignment on my vehicles after replacing struts, stock for stock. That being said, it’s not a bad idea to get the alignment checked once a year or so so you can minimize issues with uneven tire wear.

 

[PA-WOODCHUCK]

My opinion, anytime suspension work is done, should include alignment. Before retiring if any work was done under warranty, alignment was required. Factory rules.

 

[OR VietVet]

My opinion, anytime suspension work is done, should include alignment. Before retiring if any work was done under warranty, alignment was required. Factory rules.

Without a doubt, get the alignment checked and reset, always with any suspension and steering work.

 

[wjburken]

Without a doubt, get the alignment checked and reset, always with any suspension and steering work.

I agree that the alignment should be checked and should have stated that so thank you for adding that advice. I was simply stating that anytime I have had to swap a strut on my vehicles, the alignment on my truck was not affected when I had it checked afterwards.

 

[iamdub]

On a Tahoe, would replacing oem struts with aftermarkets of similar application (not intentionally raised or lowered) affect wheel alignment. The paperwork for the replacements did note that ride height might be a bit increased until the springs "settled". Actually it does appear to be about 3/4" taller and I suppose "settling" might refer to years of fatigue.

To directly answer, just replacing struts and keeping original springs will not affect alignment. If by "strut", you mean the entire assembly including a new coil spring, then definitely get the alignment checked. Springs need time to settle even if you just raise the car and let the wheels hang for a couple hours to do other work. Usually a trip around the block will get it back where it was.

Like everyone said, it's good to have it checked after suspension work or at least after X amount of time or X amount of miles. With worn bushings, things can shift when unloading and loading them, altering your alignment.

 

[EddieC]

Thanks all.

 

[OR VietVet]

I agree that the alignment should be checked and should have stated that so thank you for adding that advice. I was simply stating that anytime I have had to swap a strut on my vehicles, the alignment on my truck was not affected when I had it checked afterwards.

Have seen the same thing as what you are talking about but I don't know for sure if the alignment was within spec before the work and how much it could change after the work. Best to at least check and adjust as needed.