Do I need an alignment after changing rear shocks?
In general, you don’t need an alignment done after replacing shocks on a vehicle with the older style front suspension typically found on rear wheel drive vehicles. Replacing those shocks has nothing to do with the alignment whatsoever unless the spring has lost some of it’s tension.
What are the struts and shock absorbers in a car?
A strut is the shock absorber built into one unit with the coil spring. Front suspension layout with a MacPherson strut. It’s also known as a MacPherson strut. Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back.
How can you tell if your suspension struts are bad?
A not very common symptom of bad struts is uneven wear on your tires. However, it can happen if the coil spring broke and the car got lowered, which caused the wheel alignment to get moved. So if you notice uneven tire wear, have your suspension struts checked and make a new wheel alignment after the strut replacement.
Do you need an alignment after replacing shocks and struts?
On some vehicles, the installation of new shocks and struts may affect your car’s wheel alignment. However, there are some instances where alignment is not required after replacing the struts or shocks.
Why are my shocks so heavy on my new car?
This is normal and happens primarily for two reasons: First, a new set of shocks and struts needs to be broken in just like anything else. Though most springs get tested in the factory, most likely your shocks have never had any serious weight on them until the first time you drive on them.
Where are the struts and shocks on a car?
Most modern day vehicles have struts up front and shocks in the rear. However, some may have the same type all around. Struts are the entire suspension assembly while shocks function as part of the entire suspension. The suspension system of your car has two main functions.
Why are suspension struts important to your car?
Another important job done by your suspension is to reduce the impact of braking on your car. Not only do shock absorbers absorb force from uneven road surfaces, but they also observe the force of a heavy vehicle coming to a stop. Bad struts can increase stopping distance by sometimes as much as 12%.
What happens when you install a new set of struts?
For the first hundred or so miles after installing your new gear, the driver will notice that the suspension feels a little stiff and bouncy. This is normal and happens primarily for two reasons: First, a new set of shocks and struts needs to be broken in just like anything else.
This is normal and happens primarily for two reasons: First, a new set of shocks and struts needs to be broken in just like anything else. Though most springs get tested in the factory, most likely your shocks have never had any serious weight on them until the first time you drive on them.