NO
That depends on how the struts attach to the knuckle or control arm. On some front wheel drives an alignment is required.
Yes, it is generally recommended to get a wheel alignment after replacing the rear struts on a 2001 Malibu. Replacing the struts can affect the suspension geometry, potentially leading to uneven tire wear and handling issues. An alignment ensures that all wheels are properly aligned, promoting better handling and tire longevity.
Your tires are bad or you need an alignment. Get your tires checked, they may need to be replaced or rotated, and you can check your alignment by letting go of the steering wheel while driving, if it drifts left or right significantly, you need an alignment.
Check your wheel bearings, or you might need a wheel alignment
Yes
Yes, if your car has shock absorbers it would only be if they are broken in two pieces; if your car has struts then it is probably the upper mounts that are bad. If it is struts and you have the upper mounts replaced, you will also need an alignment.
Yes
A front end alignment is necessary when replacing struts because new struts can alter the vehicle's suspension geometry, affecting wheel alignment angles. Proper alignment ensures that the wheels are positioned correctly relative to each other and the road, which helps prevent uneven tire wear, improves handling, and enhances overall vehicle safety. Additionally, a misaligned vehicle can lead to further suspension issues and reduced ride quality, making alignment a crucial step after strut replacement.
Check for rusted brake parts, and also for partly seized bearing plates on the front struts, causing them to turn in a rough or jerky fashion. Sometimes the struts can be greased but often they need to be replaced.
Struts and shocks have a life span of 50k miles.If your struts have started to leak,they need to be changed as soon as possible.
Yes, wheel alignment machines do need to be calibrated.
If they are leaking, damaged, the car sits unlevel, or if after pushing down on the car the car bounces, they probably need replacing. Labor costs should be around $125 and the struts are about $100 each. A wheel alignment is recommended when replacing struts and runs about $60.
The shocks or if it has them, the struts, are worn out, and need to be replaced.