Absolutely you need an alignment after new struts.

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Absolutely you need an alignment after new struts.

I disagree. Unlike the tie rod ends which are meant to be and have to be adjusted the struts are not adjustable and any variation old to new would be minuscule. I replaced my right front strut a couple years ago and the alignment which I had checked free at the dealer was okay.

 

When I replaced my front wheel bearings I had to take the strut loose from the knuckle. To keep my alignment I just used a paint marker to make a mark on the strut and knuckle where the bolts go through and just lined them back up when I put it back together. Tires have been fine ever since then, but my alignment was fine before I did this. I’m sure you can do the same and then transfer the mark that is on the old strut to the the new strut and keep your current alignment. However, if you’re not sure about the current alignment or have tire wear I would just go get an alignment after you replace the struts.

 

Well the tie rods need to be done so it's definitely getting an alignment as part of that.

I guess I'll try to assess how much time is left on the struts and make that decision on its own merit then.

 

BlueRavTime does have a point. While the strut itself doesn't have slots to set the camber it can be adjusted in minute increments by optional offset (cammed) mounting bolts so marking the heads of the bolts so they can be reinstalled in the same rotation makes sure the camber doesn't change.

 

I've had cases where the alignment was not needed, and some cases where it was due to camber being out of whack. And in those cases I had to get camber bolts. Considering the effort you are already putting into it, I would replace struts together with tie rods and then do the alignment...

 

At 75k miles, you may get another 30k if they're still the originals. I had my originals changed out around 104k and could definitely feel the difference. However, I did NOT have an alignment done and vehicle is still good.

 

My front struts had 177k miles on them when I changed them. But she never wore tires. Had tires put on at 129,000 miles and now the tires have 70,000 miles, even wear and still have about 3-5k left on them.

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If you are using OEM struts, you might get by without an alignment. Aftermarket products may not be quite as exact when it comes to drilling holes or welding the assembly together.