Alignment after new Struts

**zkc27** · 10-29-2014

I apologize in advance for there probably being another thread like this.

Probably a stupid question, but I am wondering how soon after replacing my front struts and all new wheel bearings that I should get my car aligned. I just got new tires, so I am a little paranoid. I am planning on doing the repairs at home in the shop on a weekend, but I have a 3 hour drive back to where I am working an internship which is where I would get the alignment done during the week. Is this driving too far with potentially bad alignment?

I have also read places that it is good to let the new struts settle for a while (about a week) before aligning. Note that when I say strut, I mean the pre assembled ones with new springs and mounting plates with the spring already compressed and installed in the assembly. Thanks for any input.

**REDCRAPGP** · 10-29-2014

As soon as possible.. You want a alignment right after replacing your struts.. Bearings on the other hand doesn't change the geometry of he suspension so if you did just bearings you don't have to worry bout it.

**Bio248** · 10-30-2014

let them settle for a couple of days, then get an alignment. a few days of driving isn't going to destroy a set of tires.

**CrazyGuy03** · 10-30-2014

Best investment after buying a car is to get a lifetime alignment from firestone and use a coupon

**Bio248** · 10-30-2014

Originally Posted by crazyguy03

Best investment after buying a car is to get a lifetime alignment from firestone and use a coupon

nah. those guys don't know **** about alignment.

"within spec" isn't a good alignment. ever.

**CrazyGuy03** · 10-30-2014

What would you recommend ? The dealership?

**Bio248** · 10-30-2014

an independent shop that has a good alignment machine and that'll let you recommend the settings.

as well as actually get them all even and as close to 'perfect' as possible. a truly good alignment makes a car awesome to drive.

**CrazyGuy03** · 10-30-2014

I hear ya, but for the average person , can't go wrong with lifetime.
I myself know of a few "bad" locations and don't go back there. The one I like , let's me do what you described. He is a good manager there and helps out.

**Bio248** · 10-30-2014

the shop i typically go to for my good alignments lets me stand in the shop while they work.

**Russosaur** · 10-30-2014

Originally Posted by crazyguy03

What would you recommend ? The dealership?

The dealership that did my alignment was full of retards.
They BARELY put everything in spec and didn't bother too center the wheel. I went to a local Belle Tire and those guys were great.

Sent from BFE

**CrazyGuy03** · 10-30-2014

Originally Posted by Bio248

the shop i typically go to for my good alignments lets me stand in the shop while they work.

yep. Me too Usually tells me to come back when it's a bit slow, go over things together etc...

If anyone is local, it's at Dick and George Urban

**SomeDudeAtHome** · 10-30-2014

I got an alignment about a week after doing struts and control arms and it didn't hurt my new tires at all. I don't do a lot of driving in a week but it's probably somewhere around the 3 hour trip worth that you're doing.

Originally Posted by crazyguy03

yep. Me too Usually tells me to come back when it's a bit slow, go over things together etc...

If anyone is local, it's at Dick and George Urban

I've never been there it's a little far but have you ever been to Russo's downtown?