1997 Ford Escort alignment question

Tiny
KBOURASSA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD ESCORT
  • 180,000 MILES
In order to do an alignment do I need to replace the rear stuts or is it possible to do the alignment without them replaced, ford is trying to tell me I need to replace them before I do an alignment. The rear stuts are damaged but I didnt think that would affect the alignment or it to be done.

if you could reply back that would be great I just dont want to have to pay for parts if I dont need to.

thanks, Karin
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 AT 1:16 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SINBAD271
  • MECHANIC
  • 169 POSTS
A front end alignment can be done with out setting the rear. One would think to set the toe and center the steering wheel and advise the customer of damage issue to the rear and still make the sale.
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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It really depends on exactly what is wrong with the struts. If there is any sort of situation that the struts are allowing height changes, it will effect the wheel alignment in both front and rear so they would be correct.
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Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
KBOURASSA
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  • 12 POSTS
Well you know when you do the bounce test to see how many times it bounces it goes over 2 bounces and by damaged means its either leaking or cracked springs or worn bushings im not 100% sure what the problem is with my rear struts all I know is that when I have weight in my back seat it squeaks as well as going over bumps
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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If they are failing the bounce test, then the height is constantly changing going down the road. Every time the height changes, the alignment angles change so you cannot get an accurate alignment.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
KBOURASSA
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  • 12 POSTS
Ya I feel the car bounce up and down at like 40km/h slowing down and will that mean I need rear struts as well to do a proper alignment
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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Probably. The rear struts have traveled just as far as the front ones.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
KBOURASSA
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  • 12 POSTS
Its just the rear struts that need work done the fronts are fine
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Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 AT 11:31 AM

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