Anyone know for sure - strut replacement procedure and wheel alignment

[dieseldunc]

Hi Folks,

Does anyone know for sure or have access to the info (ETKA / ELSA is it?) whether, when I get the front dampers replaced by a dealer, they are supposed to check / set the wheel geometry again?

I got a price from a dealer to replace the shocks, and upon questioning whether this included checking the wheel geometry as they were gonna remove the struts they said 'no' as it's not part of the procedure hence not in the price; but they "do strongly recommend that it's done" and that'll be another £75 notes thanks you.

I would have thought that if removal of strut to change damper can potentially upset the geo, then the workshop procedure should specify that alignment is checked and set up again as part of the job. I get the distinct feeling that either the dealer just did not really know what the specified VW procedure was (although they said they'd checked) OR I'm beeing fleeced for more dosh.

Any knowledge or experience you can share much appreciated.

thanks, Duncan.

[golfhappy]

Just dug out the Haynes manual on that job and it gives it a 3 spanner: fairly difficult suitable for the competent DIY mechanic. In the removal and overhaul replacement of the strut to they say to get the geometry checked. So an answer is probably no. I have done them before on other cars and haven't had any probs.

[joe6]

Just dug out the Haynes manual on that job and it gives it a 3 spanner: fairly difficult suitable for the competent DIY mechanic. In the removal and overhaul replacement of the strut to they say to get the geometry checked. So an answer is probably no. I have done them before on other cars and haven't had any probs.

Ditto' I have done the same job on other cars and not had the geometry checked and not had any problems with tyre wear. Perhaps get it checked when next replacing tyres?

[dieseldunc]

OK, thanks folks for the replies.

[golfhappy]

Just looked at my reply, it wasn't clear. Haynes no where state when doing the strut job to get the geometry checked. As said done them before and never had any problems. When you get the car back just keep an eye on your tyres for any unusual wear. Other checks does it drive in a straight line with your hands off the wheel, is it smooth. If so everything should be ok.

I was excited earlier ave ordered MK7 R replica alloys and going to stuff them on a MK6....i blaspheme 

[Snoopy]

Just dug out the Haynes manual on that job and it gives it a 3 spanner: fairly difficult suitable for the competent DIY mechanic. In the removal and overhaul replacement of the strut to they say to get the geometry checked. So an answer is probably no. I have done them before on other cars and haven't had any probs.

Ditto' I have done the same job on other cars and not had the geometry checked and not had any problems with tyre wear. Perhaps get it checked when next replacing tyres?

Done loads too, no issues. It is on older vw mk1 and mk2 when they had adjustable camber on the shock bolts with elongates holes. My leon i have fitted new shocks and springs. The settings were as previously when I had it checked afterwards.
I only had it checked.

[dieseldunc]

Thanks to all for the replies. I'm going to have them changed without doing the alignment, and as some said keep a beady eye on front tyre wear. They are nearly new so not planning on getting changed for while, but if I have concerns I'll cough up for it.

Having done over 125k in the car now, I guess i shouldn't begrudge the need to change them. 

Dunc.