Is Wheel Alignment Necessary After Replacing Shock Absorbers?
2 Answers
It is essential to perform a wheel alignment after replacing shock absorbers. Additional information about wheel alignment is as follows: 1. Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angular coefficients of the vehicle's chassis system as a maintenance measure. The alignment process adjusts various component coefficients, altering the original parameters of the vehicle parts. 2. Inaccurate wheel alignment parameters may lead to uneven tire wear, resulting in tire blowouts, difficult handling, steering wheel vibration, and vehicle deviation. This can make driving more fatiguing, increase the likelihood of traffic accidents, and may also lead to higher fuel consumption.
I work in auto repair, and replacing shock absorbers is something we deal with daily. To be honest, a wheel alignment isn't always necessary, but it depends on how the job is done. If you only remove and install the shock absorber assembly without touching the suspension links, and all the screws are put back in their original positions without any steering deviation, then an alignment usually isn't needed. But if you disassemble the control arm ball joint or adjust other chassis components, then an alignment is a must! Last time, I helped a neighbor replace their rear shocks, and after the job, the car felt a bit shaky when driving. A quick alignment check showed a deviation of over 2 degrees—after adjusting, it was immediately stable. After replacement, remember to drive a hundred kilometers or so and monitor tire wear closely. If the inner side wears out significantly, get an alignment check right away—don't wait until the tires are damaged to address it.
