I need to replace the struts on my 1998 Buick LeSabre. Do I have to get an alignment too? I’ve gotten quotes from Sears, Firestone, Goodyear, & Pep Boys, and they all include an alignment. Interestingly, my Chevy dealer did not. Is it really necessary to spend the extra $70 for an alignment when replacing the struts?
Yes, you’ll need a wheel alignment.
The bigger question is: does it need the struts replaced, really? Go to an independent shop and ask for strut inspection and evaluation. Wait for their report. DON’T first ask how much. Wait.
Yes. Struts are adjustable to be able to align the car so when they are removed there is no way to get it back together again with perfect alignment. They can scribe the position of the old ones and get the new ones close, but never close enough to not require an alignment.