Is a Wheel Alignment Necessary After Replacing Shock Absorbers?

[McGage]

Whether a wheel alignment is necessary after replacing shock absorbers depends on the situation. If components of the axle and suspension have been removed, a wheel alignment is required; if not, it isn't necessary. For some vehicle models, replacing the shock absorbers involves removing all connecting components between the front suspension and the wheel hub, which affects the wheel alignment parameters of the front wheels. Therefore, a wheel alignment should be performed after replacing the shock absorbers. The wheel alignment of a car mainly adjusts the relative positional relationship between the wheels and the chassis (including the wheels, steering knuckles, front axle, etc.). For the front wheels, this includes caster angle, kingpin inclination, camber, and toe; for the rear wheels, it includes camber and toe.