Alignment with shock change?

[GranburyChuck]

I just had my steering rack replaced about 1000 miles ago and got a four wheel alignment. Now I am going to replace the struts and shocks with the ROW M030 kit. My question is, is it really necessary to get the car re-aligned? Am I going to be that far off????

[SH-GT3]

If the ROW M030 kit is lower that what you are currently running , which you didn't specify, then yes, you would likely need to get another alignment to maintain your current settings. "..that far off" is pretty subjective.

[perryinva]

Regardless, when you replace the struts, you really have no choice.

[SH-GT3]

Can you elaborate? If the struts alone are the same length and/or provide the same ride height as those being replaced, how would the alignment specs be modified?

[SH-GT3]

Regardless, when you replace the struts, you really have no choice.

Can you elaborate? If the struts alone are the same length and/or provide the same ride height as those being replaced, how would the alignment specs be modified?

[Loren]

Regardless, when you replace the struts, you really have no choice.

Can you elaborate? If the struts alone are the same length and/or provide the same ride height as those being replaced, how would the alignment specs be modified?

Because of what you have to remove and disconnect to replace the struts. Springs do not always line up the same when you put them back - so even ride height changes (small but it does change).

[SH-GT3]

Ah, good point.

[geoff]

I had the ROW suspension installed on my Boxster with full alignment. Then waited about 1 1/2 years for my next alignment. I couldn't believe how much better everything felt after the recent alignment - the car drove the best since installing the ROW suspension over a year prior. Everything settled a bit after the initial install, even though I didn't measure any difference when I checked. If your suspension/alignment shop tells you to bring the car back in the next few months to have the alignment re-checked, definitely take them up on the offer

[JeTexas]

Firestone Service Centers offer lifetime alignment packages for about $140. I get a 4-wheel alignment done every time I get my oil changed.

[SH-GT3]

Firestone Service Centers offer lifetime alignment packages for about $140. I get a 4-wheel alignment done every time I get my oil changed.

Seems unnecessary, unless of course you need an alignment every time you have your oil changed, which should be an indicator you have bigger problems.

[GranburyChuck]

I have used the local Porsche dealer for my alignment at about $250 each time. I tried a tire store once and they had some issues so I never went back. The ROW supposedly lowers the car about 20/10 mm front/rear from my understanding. I know I need to get one I just wanted someone to say no so I wouldn't have to fork out money that I just spent on an alignment 1 month ago.

[GranburyChuck]

Anyone ever try the Smart String system from Smart Racing? Wonder if I get that how good it would do, I think it was $250 in Panorama.

[geoff]

I have used the local Porsche dealer for my alignment at about $250 each time. I tried a tire store once and they had some issues so I never went back. The ROW supposedly lowers the car about 20/10 mm front/rear from my understanding. I know I need to get one I just wanted someone to say no so I wouldn't have to fork out money that I just spent on an alignment 1 month ago.

You might want to check with the local PCA guys for recommendations on independents that do vehicle inspections and alignments for the Auto-X set. I think the world of my dealer service department, but take my cars to an independent suspension shop that is highly regarded in the local Porsche community. About 1/2 the cost of the dealer, and they will set up for your particular taste and driving style instead of only the factory recommended settings. It still takes them a good 90 minutes to get everything dialed in just right. From what I observed, it's more precise and involved than aligning a Camry or a Buick

[perryinva]

Yes, I wasn't trying to be flippant. When you're talking about tenths of a degree, then there is really no way that changing spring heights and shock droop can't affect you're alignment. I've replaced stock struts on cars with stock ones, and even after carefully marking all the nuts & bolts, they are still way off on alignment. There is actually a very measured difference from just tire wear, that if you want to be AR about handling, I can see getting an alignment as often as every 5k miles if you have heavy negative camber. I know I sure wouldn't have a severe alignment for just that reason, but getting it redone after your new suspension settles, say, 1k or more, would be well worth it if you had fairly new tires on. I hate the current tires on my 996 that the PO had installed new, right before I bought it (Sumi HRTZIIs), so I'll play with ride height & camber a little, at the expense of the tires, once I install the PSS9s. Then i'll buy new tires and have the alignment done. I have to say, that I have never had a car that didn't need an alignment based on before & after numbers. Except for the 996 (which I obviously can't rotate tires on), tho, I normally only do it if when I rotate tires and I can feel any unusual wear on the tread, or put new tires on. In my case, though, I have 4 vehicles, and the use of a company car, so do not put all that many on them. I use the "accelerated wear" from a "bad" aligment to replace tires that I'm not crazy about. Doesn't make sense to spend hundreds on an alignment to save the same amount in rubber, especially if the rubber gets 5-6 years old. Unless of course the aligment makes the car unsafe to drive. Also, I would wonder if getting an alignment often wouldn't wear the nuts and bolts that have to be loosened and retightened each time.

[flyingpenguin]

Here are two good articles on a DIY alignment:

http://www.planetporsche.net/reviews/showp...=232&cat=10

and

http://www.planetporsche.net/reviews/showp...=230&cat=10

I tinkered with it over the last few weeks and took the car to the track (Texas World Speedway in College Station: the hidden gem of the South) this weekend on new rubber (Hoosiers :) ). I was amazed at how well sorted the car behaved! In the process shaved 8 seconds off my avg. laptime.

Joost