Any Toyota mechanics here?

Ultradog MN · Apr 21, 2019

We have an 05 Camry that I use as a gad about/parts getter. Left front had a broken spring so I replaced the front struts in it yesterday - the whole spring and shock assembly.
Very simple job by the way.
Wondering if I need a front end alignment now.
This IS tractor related as I have been all over fetching Tractor parts with it.
Even hauled a 3 cyl Ford block in the trunk recently.
Thanks!

old · Apr 21, 2019

I've replaced struts on my Toyota cars in the past and never got an aliment on them and been just fine. I think the Clintons manual recommends getting one

Mark-Ia · Apr 21, 2019

if the studs that hold the strut in place are tightened down where the old one was, you should be okay.

Steve Metcalfe · Apr 21, 2019

I own a automotive shop that does alignments and we also do quite a few alignments for other shops as well. I would highly recommend having an alignment performed because when you changed the struts you also altered the ride height with the new springs and that affects toe.

Steve@Advance · Apr 21, 2019

Technically, it should be aligned.

But, in order to do an alignment, every other component must be within tolerance, such as ball joints, and tie rod ends.

A couple things to look for, if the steering wheel runs centered on a flat road, no wandering, pulling, tire squealing on a normal turn, unusual tire wear, then it will probably be OK.

If you do take it for alignment, be careful not to give them permission to do what ever is necessary. You could be in for a real nasty surprise!

David G · Apr 21, 2019

I agree with Steve, an alignment should be done.

used red MN · Apr 21, 2019

Is that Bill or nnalert?s printing company? Oh, you must have meant Chilton manual. Just funn-in anyway. I would recommend the alignment, but could get by without. If you choose not to I would keep a close eye on tire wear. Any sign of wear changes would probably tell you an alignment is needed. Happy Easter everyone, hope you are all in tune to the real reason to celebrate today!

used red MN · Apr 21, 2019

Is that Bill or nnalert?s printing company? Oh, you must have Chilton manual. Just funn-in anyway. I would recommend the alignment, but could get by without. If you choose not to I would keep a close eye on tire wear. Any sign of wear changes would probably tell you an alignment is needed. Happy Easter everyone, hope you are all in tune to the real reason to celebrate today!
...Sorry if this is a duplicate, first try did not show up...

used red MN · Apr 21, 2019

Apparently you cannot refer to our former president Bill C. and his wife together in this forum. I was replying with a funny comment about ...old... using the wrong name for a repair manual. Site kept telling me my post could not be displayed, lesson learned. To Ultradog I would recommend the alignment, but could get by without. If you choose not to I would keep a close eye on tire wear. Any sign of wear changes would probably tell you an alignment is needed. Happy Easter everyone, hope you are all in tune to the real reason to celebrate today!

Ken Macfarlane · Apr 21, 2019

From what I remember 05 Camry shouldn?t be any alignment settings available on the struts without grinding a slot.

Ultradog MN · Apr 21, 2019

Talk about surprises,
I had the car into the dealer for lube, oil and filter about 10 days ago.
Asked them how much to replace the front struts.
They wanted just over $900 though that likely did include alignment. I didnt think to ask about that.
I ordered the parts from Rock Auto. With shipping the cost was about $185.
Watched a youtube video and did it in an hour. A Toyota mechanic could have done it in 20 minutes.
I will watch the steering wheel to see if it tracks straight.
It needs tires this fall anyway so will probably do it then.
Thanks to all.

504 · Apr 21, 2019

The reason for an alignment is when you changed the springs you changed the ride height. That?s the easiest way to change the toe settings and the fastest way to ruin a set of tires. Once upon a time I made a living as an alignment tec

jimg.allentown · Apr 21, 2019

They always recommend an alignment. That doesn't mean that you really need one.

As previously stated, if it tracks straight and is not wearing the tires unevenly, you can probably do without an alignment. Also note that when aligning MOST front wheel drive cars, a four wheel alignment is recommended. Most only have adjustments available for front toe, rear toe, and rear camber. Some only have adjustments for front and rear toe. Some require drilling out spot welds or rivets to adjust front camber, and none that I know of provide any adjustment for caster.

Chances are that if you are not using the car heavily, it will take a long time to show any unusual wear patterns on the tires.

David G · Apr 21, 2019

The Civic I just worked on had an eccentric plate on top of the spring that determined alignment.

Dune Country · Apr 21, 2019

A trick my pop taught me,
You need a smooth concrete slab, make a water puddle at the beginning, drive car through it onto the dry slab,the tread trail should be distinct, if blurred alignment needed.
Also if just center of tread shows to much air,outside showing more ,add air.

hd6gtom · Apr 21, 2019

Yes you need 1. After spending several thousand dollars on my grandsons, part of it on the front end. I told him to get it lined up. He didn't do it and as a result he destroyed a new set of snow tires in 2 months.

UncleTom · Apr 21, 2019

I would think that the ride height is right back to factory new specs and that is where the front end was aligned at unless there has been some hard use of the front end.

ditchwitch · Apr 21, 2019

Anytime you compromise any parts of your front end its best to have it realigned. Youll be money ahead.

Hobo,NC · Apr 21, 2019

I would have it aligned if it drives well now it would be best to do it with a set of new tars on it see'N as you are headed that way soon...

BigPapa53 · Apr 21, 2019

I d also suggest you get an alignment.

- Scott

JMS/.MN · Apr 21, 2019

Geez, get over it! You"d think by now the hosts would have grown up and matured about that issue...instead of continuing to be childish. What, over two years now?

Blackhole49 · Apr 22, 2019

Going against the grain, I have done several front struts (most recently 05 Uplander 3 weeks ago) without an alignment with no drive-ability or tire wear issues.

Any Toyota mechanics here?

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