How necessary is alignment after installing new springs?
 

I've heard it's always necessary in the past. Until I installed springs/struts myself on my MR2 and again on my G35 and did not see any way to play with alignment. Everything bolted in one way. Things might've shifted a tenth of a degree or two but stayed within the spec range. A mechanic friend of mine also did not believe an alignment necessary for this straightforward job. Now if we start unbolting things beyond the struts (suspension arms, etc.), then it becomes necessary.

I don't have any tools in my new apartment so I'm getting a dealership to install my springs. They say a $90 alignment is necessary, at least on the front pair. Are they trying to gouge me for money/how necessary is this?

EDIT: This question is for a mild 0.6" drop all around.

It's necessary.

Just because things only bolt in one way, the changes in ride height change alignment.

- Andrew

Very necessary

Yes, very needed. You have changed geometry of the suspension.

Ever see a civic that is lowered and looks duck footed/ pigeon toed? Thats a ricer that sprung for the springs and never paid for an alignment...

:word: Anytime you change ride height you need an alignment.

100% Necessary. Even the slight play in the bolts can effect your alignment.

Rule of thumb: If you mess with the suspension at all, get an alignment. Sway bars are the only exception as they are not locating members of the suspension.

Depends really..

If you read, for example, the Eibach Pro-Kit alignment specs for before and after install - you really don't have to adjust anything on a new, straight, car.

Thanks for all the responses. But like I mentioned earlier, my alignment remained within the OEM specified range after I swapped the springs/struts out myself leading me to believe that even the slight play in bolts had not much effect. I've watched shops adjust my alignment and noticed they don't adjust any strut housing bolts that I touch when I install springs/struts. They're torquing bolts in the suspension arms that I never touched. I guess my question should be have any of you guys gone out of alignment when only installing <1" drop springs/struts? It's easy to say, yes, it theoretically could happen. But I wonder if anyone has experienced this firsthand because my firsthand experience (twice) tells me the change in alignment is negligible.

The Eibach Pro-Kit is a 1" drop. The springs I'm installing are only a 0.6" drop developed specifically to work with the OEM struts. Is 0.6" really enough to put geometry out of spec?

90$ is cheap for a dealer... Do it

the rear toe setting change was negligible with a 1" drop. I didn't change it after measuring. And considering rear camber isn't adjustable, I was fine. The front "may" be the same if you don't touch camber, but I added 3 degrees, and consequently hand to adjust toe.

I'm going to have the reputable Subaru shop only install my springs for $700. They're already upcharging me compared to $550 at the less reputable Subaru shop which hasn't installed any springs "in a while." That's why I'm hesitant to throw more money at the 1st shop for an alignment. Then I'm going to a nearby tire shop for a free alignment check and, if needed, $80 for alignment. But the tire shop doesn't have access to alignment specs for any 2013 models.

Does anyone have the BRZ alignment specs they can send me?

Geez. Just burn your wallet man.

If you're going to lower the car the wrong way, then just cut the springs and no alignment the cheap way.


Not recommended of course :)