Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 5
From: Mission Viejo Ca
Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment?
GM recently did a 4 wheel alignment on my car at no charge since they found a tie rod end to be stress fractured (I have no idea how this happened). I was considering replacing my aging Z51 shocks with Bilstien Sports but was wondering if a re-alignment would be necessary? From what I can see there is only 3 mounting points on each shock and the A-arms do not need to be removed for installation. Should'nt everything bolt right back up where it was and be ok?
Thanks,
Aaron Lephart
[Modified by GTP, 7:20 PM 4/3/2002]
Thanks,
Aaron Lephart
[Modified by GTP, 7:20 PM 4/3/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,204
Likes: 5
From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'08-'10
Re: Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment? (GTP)
Aaron, I installed Bilstein HD's in my '98 without benefit of alignment. My local dealer said it wasn't necessary. Since doing so, the tire wear is normal/even and the car tracks beautifully. However, when I changed out the rear to a 3.73, dropping the entire rear suspension called for an alignment check. There may be some who think differently, just sharing my experience with you. Good luck with your new shocks...they will transform your car, mine did!
Joe
Joe
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
From: Tupelo Ms
Re: Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment? (GTP)
Hey Now:
Same here, installed the Bilsteins and Z06 bars without alignment. About 11,000 miles later, no problems with tire wear, ect.. :yesnod:
Same here, installed the Bilsteins and Z06 bars without alignment. About 11,000 miles later, no problems with tire wear, ect.. :yesnod:
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Re: Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment? (GTP)
Installing new shocks will not alter the suspension settings. No alignment is required. While you are doing the work, be sure to check all bushings etc. for wear since you already had one failure.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Re: Does installing new shocks require a re-alignment? (GTP)
Got my stock non-Z51 '02 shocks replaced with Bilstein Sports yesterday without benefit of alignment. The shop that did the work and my own seat-of-the-pants experience both suggest that alignment is not necessary after shock replacement.
