Greetings all. Is it necessary to have the car aligned after replacing the front struts on a 1999 RX300 AWD?
Thanks

 

Yes, the new ones will be slightly off vs the old. You should easily be able to feel it when you drive that the wheels do not self re-center as well and may grab a little, same story with the rear of you replace those since they tend to all fail at the same time.

Its an extremely easy fix though, you can do the whole car in under 3 hours.

 

That’s what I figured. I’m replacing all four plus rear control arms. I’ll do it all at once so only one realignment. Is there anything else I should consider replacing particularly in the front end?

 

Sway bar end links for sure. i have a brand new rear FCS quick strut that should fit your car if you want one for cheap. I'm in 44223.

 

Already have the struts and have replaced all four end links and sway bar bushings. Thanks four the input.

 

Oh yeah, if you are messing with the rear links then you really will need an alignment done. Up front I would check sway links and the bar bushings, also lower control arms are a good idea to firm things up.

 

What side? Drivers? I need a rear drivers side one actually and would be willing to buy yours if it's cheaper than rock auto, they screwed up my order and send me a FWD strut for that position.....

 

I really didn’t want to get into the front control arms. I think I’ll replace struts and rear control arms and see if that takes care of the rattles.

 

If your dealing with metal clunk noises from the rear, take a look at the inner rod arms. Other than the obvious sway bar links.
This was my noise.
Racked it up and put a pry bar on it and found some play.
My outers were fine.
I know you mentioned the rod arms, the one with the adjusting toe cams, (control arms as you say it)
Did you see or feel any play on it?
I just dont want you to replace parts you dont need.

 

I am for evidence based diagnoses. For suspension it is best done by a suspension shop. They can show you the worn components with visible play/rot/rips etc. Usually they do this for free and you can pay them for the time and or take the vehicle back to them for alignment and do the repair as a DIY.

Alignment check is "recommended" after suspension work. You can always paint a stripe across the tire and see that it evenly wears out. I would do this if my tires are not new but with new tires, you will be safer to get the alignment checked. You can skip and see how the vehicle drives and keep an eye on uneven wear.

Salim

 

Doh, it's a passenger side right rear.

 

I thought it was front too.

Salim

 

Did you do the work yourself? if so, where did you get the parts? im trying to find struts for mine and am just trying to get the right ones.

 

Yes I replaced them myself and I bought them trough Rock Auto. Fairly easy job.

 

I put the Monroe Quick struts on a couple of months ago along with most of the front end parts. Definitely not OEM quality but okay. If I hit a decent pot hole or a speed bump to fast I get a hard bang. Pretty sure it the shocks. Might put the old front ones back on to see if the clunk goes away.