A 2008 Civic LX had defective front struts that required replacement at 30K. The dealer's service manager refused to authorize an alignment, saying these vehicles don't need one after strut replacements. I checked the official Honda Service Manual for the model and it said "Check alignment and realign if necessary". Also I called the Honda Corporation customer line, but the receptionist didn't have a clue, other than to state that whatever is in the Honda Manuals is the proper procedure.

Does anyone know if the 2008 suspensions are unaffected by a strut replacement? I think the service manager was just trying to minimize warranty work and just pulled a fast one. I later told the dealer of the Manual procedure, but they have not commented, nor offered a remedy. I will not patronize this dealer again.

 

When I changed the struts on my 06 I didn't have it aligned, I watch for tire wear constantly and I see no problems.

I think all of the alignment adjustments are done with the lower ball joints and you don't move anything in the area where the strut work is done.

If it was me I wouldn't touch it as long as the car drives like it did let it go and keep an eye on the tires for wear.

I like to switch my tires front to back every now and then,like when I do an oil change or just playing with the car, it only takes a few min and I think it prevents wear patterns and prolongs the life of the tires.

 

The factory warranty labor operation code pays an extra .4 to perform an
alignment. The alignment should be checked/done when the struts are
replaced.

I personally wouldn't wait and watch out for tire wear... if you start to notice tire wear down the line the wear can not be fixed, the tire(s) will always have
abnormal wear until it is replaced. If tire wear is detected, and alignment can then be performed to help it from getting worse.

Bottom line is Honda will pay them to do the alignment.

 

If you don't feel a pull then personally I wouldn't worry about it.

However if it is eating away at you, go to the dealership and make a scene. Blam free alignment. There is nothing dealerships hate more then customers getting upset.

 

Yea, unfortunately the squeeky wheel theory still applies.