When is an alignment needed? Technician question

[C-ya]

I know the question can be answered many ways, but based on the readings from an alignment machine, when is it NEEDED? I am getting my swaybar bushings replaced under warranty and part of the inspection (free) was an alignment check. The front was a little off, -0.32. The service writer said when it gets to ±0.5 or greater, it would NEED it. Should I go ahead where I am or can I wait? My tires are brand new, so I don't want to start them down the wrong road (sorry!) wear-wise.

 

[The_Roadie]

You NEED it when one of the measurements is out of spec. There are THREE major elements of an alignment, however. Camber, caster, and toe-in. The spec for camber is +/- 0.5 degrees, so I have to assume your shop was talking about that. But you would have a more satisfying conversation with them if you Googled for suspension terminology and went in there with a note pad next time. Some goofball and incompetent shops claim our platform has NO camber and caster adjustment, and you should just walk away from that kind of shop.

 

[C-ya]

It is camber, I forgot to put that in the first post. This is a stealership.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Buy a Firestone lifetime alignment, been absolutely great for me. After the 2nd one it pays for itself, I just call em up and drop it off for an hour every oil change ~5k.

 

[CaptainXL]

Buy a Firestone lifetime alignment, been absolutely great for me. After the 2nd one it pays for itself, I just call em up and drop it off for an hour every oil change ~5k.

Yeah I got one of them too. An alignment should be done when struts and hubs are replaced as well.