2010 Honda CR-V, 4cyl 4WD. Suspension creaks and rattles on front and rear, so I’m replacing the struts all the way around. Thing is, tires have less than 1k miles on them, and were aligned when they got put on. Buddy has a lift and is offering to help, but is saying that an alignment is 100% neccessary, or it will be dangerous. There is no camber that I can tell at all. Can I get away with not doing it and getting an alignment check in the next couple weeks? Thanks.
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The alignment that was completed with worn components was not accurate because of worn parts. Also bolts and bolt holes arent to 0.0001" tolerance so the newly installed struts are not necessarily in the same place as they were before.
Also if you still have ANY suspension or steering components that are worn, damaged, or have play, then they HAVE to be replaced before an alignment can be done
This is the answer OP. While you might not have a safety issue from not aligning the car, you’re likely to cause accelerated wear.
If the car doesn’t have camber/caster adjustments, the alignment is a good double-check that all the newly installed components are properly set up/manufactured/installed. Plus a “toe-and-go” alignment could be inexpensive from the right shop.
Thanks! What do you mean by ANY components. It’s a 13 year old car with close to 200k on it, I’m not trying to spend 3 grand replacing the entire system haha
Honestly… if you don’t notice unusual handling or tire wear I wouldn’t lose any sleep over not getting it done immediately. It’s obviously a good idea to get an alignment after replacing any suspension component but I wouldn’t call it “dangerous” to drive until then if it handles normally, your wheel is still straight, and the tires show a normal wear pattern. But obviously the more fucked up any of those variables are, the sooner an alignment should be performed.