I just replaced my strut mounts and strut mount bushings. The clunking I was getting is definitely better but not totally fixed. The issue I have now is that after replacing them I am told I should get a front end alignment. After taking the bolts on the lower struts out I find that they do not adjust camber or toe in like MOST cars.

Do I REALLY need an alignment. Car drives straight and true as it did before I took the struts out.

 

Yes, get it aligned. If you don't think you need to, just keep an eye on those tires. In a couple of thousand miles you'll see why.

 

How does a car get aligned?

 

well most places now today use the Hunter DSP600 system which gives a much better alignment then the conventional systems, but basically there are adjustments under the car behind the wheel to adjust the camber, toe, and caster but most do not adjust the camber or caster

 

No camber or caster adjustment possible on a Maxima with stock struts.

Toe only.

But yeah, get the alignment. Way cheaper than tires.

 

I recently dropped my 01 MAX AE on H-techs and illuminas. My springs are now binding in the front? Any recommendations on upper towers and strut mates? thanks

 

I appreciate all the replays but typically the two bolts connecting the strut to the hub assembly adjust camber and toe in but they were STRAIGHT bolts and not the ones that allow adjustment.

I guess I will get it aligned but I dunno. Wish someone could tell me what I have possibly altered

 

I know what a strut mount is, I'm not sure however what you mean by a strut "bushing". Sometimes a "clunking" noise is due to a wornout strut bearing on which the mount rests on top of the upper seat. If you did not replace the bearing that could possibly be a cause. Check out this post...http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/703

 

Sorry meant to say bearings I replaced both the bearings and strut mounts.

Still nobody can tell me why I have to align the front end when I didnt change anything??

 

Your toe will most likely be off. Every time I've done suspension work (on the front end) and then had it aligned the toe was off.

 

I agree, I do alignments all day long and any time you do anything to the suspension its good to do an alignment. camber and toe are adjustable on all most cars with mac pherson strut front suspension setups, when you remove or loosen the bolts on the steering knuckle it allows a small amount of movement for camber. if you want to make alot more movement available you can slot the strut holes where the strut mounts to the knuckle.

 

Just buy a lifetime alignment from someplace like Firestone... Shouldn't be more than $150 or so, which will pay for itself after the numerous potholes, road hazards, and (possible) suspension work you'll encounter.