Is an alignment necessary for an OEM shock absorber replacement?

Yikes!

 

UPDATE

Just got home. Here's the take away print out:





The lower black and white sheet was not going to be given to me but I insisted on getting a copy.

Service rep spent time explaining the front end part of the alignment because the left front was out of alignment spec range. I made sure he explained the rear end part as well.

This is probably one of those things where it's a good idea to have it done. Local prices for alignments go for about $139.

Does seem to ride smoother. This might be due to the tire air tech over inflating my tires. The last time they read 38 psi...small detail they should get right. My understanding is that tires should be 33psi.

I'm going to inspect the underside to see my new shock.

Anyhoo, what do you all think?

 

Why are the tire pressures of your left tires more than 5 psi over the ones in the right. Maybe that caused the misalignment?

 

BTW I asked "are you sure that Toyota Care doesn't cover alignments from a defective shock?" The explanation was that if it happened within a couple of months or the first year I would get covered under a "warranty extension" on the shock, or something to that effect.

The literal wording on Toyota Care's mantra is "cost free maintenance for 2 years", but then when you read the details it's just oil changes and tire rotations for the most part. If alignments are suggested at once a year this really should be a scheduled maintenance.

My Dad's view on alignments is "if you don't hit a curb or pothole, you really don't need one every year."

 

I wondered about that too. Would it affect alignment?

 

no way,only if the fronts are replaced the alignment should be checked first,then aligned if necessary

 

OK, Your dad's view is somewhat accurate. but who doesn't see a pothole once a year?
I do them regularly... My stock tires lated me 60k miles. I'm at 15k on my new ones. (yes im at 75k in my Taco.)
Same goes with all other vehicles that we own in the family. We do pay attention to what is needed.

Since I drive so much I get an alignment "check" every 6 months. I think they have only adjusted it once in the two years of owning it.

 

Good to know. When dad says "hit a pot hole" it's always in the context of hitting a significantly huge one.

 

Rear thrust angle sucks; pretty common though.
My first and last alignment @ 3,600 miles was 0.02 thrust/0.18 total toe.
I'm at 22,000 now; makes me wonder. Spring fatigue, taco lean, frame twist, bushing deteriation...

 

Whoa! That’s way more than I need to know.

 

In 51 cars/trucks owned, I never get an alignment unless the vehicle is showing symptoms. Never been a problem. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

 

Then not covering the alignment seems kinda off to Me.
I didn’t have to pay for the alignment when they they did the leaf spring recall on my 2nd gen. I never heard or anyone paying for their own alignment when they did the frame recall.

Which according to the logic of your service advisor, should have

 

I feel bad for people who blindly trust dealers...

 

First alignment is free from the dealer if you bought the truck new Look in the service agreement. Not sure the time constraint on that however.

 

Yes tire pressure is a factor especially 5psi difference. It's a shame how many uncaring mechanics there are out there. It's a good idea to have an alignment every time you get new tires or there is noticeable wear, at least have it checked, that is usually free.

 

No not if its part replaced under warranty. That's should be part of the repair process if they claim it's needed. You didn't ask for defective parts.

 

Yeah true. I was making a rebuttal argument in advance for use at the dealer when they state it's not warrantied due to wear and tear. My statement was using their logic against them.

Typically one shock will go then possibly the other.


J

 

For the wear of your tires, which are only under the tire manuf warranty.

Recommended, not required, and no grounds for voiding any Toyota warranties.

Not saying you shouldn't have alignments done.

Just saying don't do them for the reasons they are 'promoting'.

And find a good indie shop that will do them to detailed numbers for you. All you are going to get here is 'all the lights are green', meaning everything is within factory tolerance. Again, 'ok', but not as good as it could be.

 

It's only just wear & tear on your wallet. Personally I'd be afraid that they would mess something up! If your going to have an alignment do it when you get a new set of tires!