Anonymous wrote:When you replace struts, do you replace spring too? Anything else that should be replaced? What are your thoughts on wheel alignment after shocks/struts are replaced? Is that really necessary?

Probably no need to replace the springs. Most don’t wear out, but the shop will definitely tell you. Wheel alignment is important anytime you touch suspension parts. At a minimum get the alignment checked.

When you replace struts, do you replace spring too? Anything else that should be replaced? What are your thoughts on wheel alignment after shocks/struts are replaced? Is that really necessary?

Are you in VA? It's on the safety inspection. I was forced to repair a strut for mine to pass and I was annoyed. It's a 20 year old car with 180K miles. I was fine with letting it ride rough. Funny enough the car drove completely smooth and was fine until I finally traded it last month because it had leaks from places that would make it fail the safety inspection. RIP my old ass trusty Highlander

It's like running a 10k in wooden clogs, the other parts of your body will feel it instead of the running shoes built to cushion the pounding.

Yes, the car will ride a lot better for you and will ease the wear on the other components. What kind of car and how long do you plan to keep it? Are the struts and shocks leaking?

This is one of the few car repairs that actually provides pleasure, like sleeping in a super-comfortable bed after putting up with a worn-out one.

Yes. Replace.

Not replacing them leads to more wear and tear on the rest of the suspension. Other components will fail sooner. It also affects drivability including braking.

Dangerous if hit pothole high speed

What does it mean it rides like a metal box? It is a metal box unless it is a fancy sports car. Then it is a fibreglass box

Almost 20 year old car with 200k+ miles. Car has the original shocks/struts and rides like a metal box but… any harm in not replacing it?