Is an alignment necessary for an OEM shock absorber replacement?

I was told that replacing the rear drivers side shock that was defective requires an alignment? Is this true?

I thought alignments were for front ends. Service rep claims that Tacomas need rear end alignments as well. Not sure that this sounds correct.

It's $89...

 

I wouldn't think so, I mean if they were taking the whole leaf pack out maybe. But I would think not.

 

Ask him to show you the adjustment points.

 

Nope, no alignment is needed after replacing any of the rear shocks.

 

Alignment not needed for shock replacement and yes, the rear end can be aligned on pretty much any vehicle.

 

Wow. Dealerships are so pathetic.

 

Nothing to align in the rear, unless your pants are in the crack, seriously though, unless you have 4 wheel independent suspension or rear steering, nothing at all...

 

Some service reps remind me of Jiffy Lube employees making up stuff for $.

I took my wife's MDX once for a rear diff oil change and was told by the service rep that their process doesn't allow air to get into it when refilling so nothing gets contaminated.

 

I can check and fill your blinker fluid for $19.95

 

Jokes on you. They remove all the oxygen out of the room while wearing a supplied air respirator suit to change the fluid.

 

UPDATE:

I'm going to allow them to do an alignment because it is recommended yearly. Also apparently the alignment points will show up on the print out report.

Also it keeps me on good terms with the dealership.

If this was an issue after 6 months of ownership I would have declined and come back once the year mark came. As it turns out I've had the truck for about 14 months so maybe it's not a bad idea in the history of bad ideas.

Also I don't mind taking the hit on this if it turns out to really not be necessary. Especially if it means saving someone on the forum from the same situation in the future. I might be taking one for the team here LOL.

I will post the alignment report when I get it.

Thanks for all the quick responses.

 

make sure they align the front also since they are charging you 89 bucks for adjusting nothing in the rear...

 

If it's required, why isn't it being covered?

 

Yeah, I made sure of that. It's my understanding it will be an all around alignment. Honestly it's the first I've heard of this so it will get interesting either way.

 

I was told it was wear and tear not covered. Does that sound correct?

 

A shock should not go bad in 14 months. The other one didn't...


J

 

That shock is being covered. BTW that is covered up to 3 years/30,000 miles. That's what I was told at least. They agreed it was a manufacturer defect.

I am going to push to have Toyota care cover this alignment.

 

just make a fuss about the before and after print out and you should be ok, dont take no for an answer with receiving your copy of the print out....
might wanna put some paint on the cam tabs, then you will know for sure if anything has had a wrench on it.

this is not 100% true, one lazy shock absorber can take a shit on its own very easily.
but you are right it really should not at just over one year of age.... but it does happens

 

The only way to align the rear axle is to loosen up the leaf spring U bolts and re-position the axle.

I went to a place and they only offered the 4 wheel alignment when I did my tie rod ends on my old truck, they didn't touch the rear axle.

 

Yes there is:
https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/suspension/understanding-thrust-angle/