Rear struts

[chigowolfs76]

If I were to change my rear strut plate on a '01 neon r/t, will I have to get a wheel alignment???

It as been making noise for a few months now, but been low on cash.
The noise in passenger side, about trunk lid high, so Iknow it either the plate or bushing,
TIA

[palindromelol]

The anser is NO!

I did my last allignment on my paved driveway after exactly what you described....including the cash.

Depending on the replacement strut, you may have to measure camber. Caster and toe are not an issue for the rear tires if the frame and other parts are OK. I had one with a slot instead of a round hole. So I lost the camber when I installed the new strut. a 24" carpenters level and a measuring tape is a good start. With the car on the level ground, touch the level to the tire and measure any gap to the vertical. When you replace the strut plate just check it after-the-fact. With a level, seamstress pins, and a string and measuring tape I did a 4 wheel allignment. It took me 3 adjustments over about 3 days but I have great control and no tire wear to speak of.

[das2123]

It is a good idea to get an alignment to check your toe, camber, and caster. Most places will check for free and let you know what is out of whack. Unless you have crash/camber bolts you cannot correct camber on your own and there isn't a way to correct toe without having a machine telling you when you are near 0, is there palindromelol?

[eldiablo1100]

it's always good to get your alignment checked after working on the suspension

[yale329]

No, I think not.
Wayne