Toyota struts --- I need your advice. Do I need them?

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Sarah

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I'm confused! I have a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner. 108k miles.

I took it to the dealership today to get serviced and I was given a check off list of what they inspected. I was told everything was good, but I needed new tires.

I decided to go to a local shop near home to get tires ($105 each) and get an alignment.

Of course, as soon as they took of the tires, the macanic at the local shop told me I need front structs and showed me that the front on the left had leaked.

Now, I have seen TONS of shows about how some shops will tell you to get stuff you do not need.

I just had a look at the check off list from the dealership and it's marked that the structs/shocks are both good.

What do I do? The problem is I am paying almost $500 for tires/alignment and the new shop offered to make me a 'deal' to get the struts done for only $350 more.

What should I do.....? I tried pushing the front side of the car down, and it doesn't bounce (which is what I heard happens when the struts are bad)... But, then again I did see the leak (?) the guy a the shop showed me.

Help
 
Worn out struts or shocks will not affect the wheel alignment. Shocks are designed to limit body movement and motion when the vehicle contacts bumps on the driving surface. A wheel alignment is to correct the tires rolling at an incorrect angle (castor, camber, and toe). There are several factors that affect these 3 angles but shocks/struts are not one of them. If a shop tells you they need to be replaced in order to do the alignment they are lying. Shocks should however be replaced because they can affect tire wear and general vehicle drivability. Hope this helps.
 
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