124 front struts - dumb question
 

One of my front struts is leaking on my 124. It looks like if I replace it I'll mess up the alignment and need to get it realigned when I'm done. Is there a trick I can do to avoid needing realignment or am I misjudging this job and is realignment not necessary after front strut replacement?

As far s I can remember this is more of a shock then a strut. I do not believe that it would have any impact at all on the front end. Just remove and replace

Your car has shock absorbers, not struts.
You should replace both front shocks, preferably with Bilsteins. Keep the receipt, they are guaranteed for life.

Replacing both will assure that there is an equal amount of suspension on both sides. This job does not require a spring compressor, and is detailed here by several others, including myself.

A leaky shock on one side will cause a greater degree of misalignment than replacing both shocks.

If you call around, you can probably get this aligned by someone with computerized equipment for around $50. Lots of people will be happy to do it for $70-$100, as it takes about half an hour and requires no parts. Ask about "total cost" I had an idjit stick me for "shop fees". He used nothing more than hand soap, and did not tell me when he quoted the job on the phone. I won't darken his door again.

If your car tracks straight and true, the alignment is safe, but it can still chew up your tires. In the long run, a good alignment once a year costs less than replacing tires and shocks.

The shocks have no impact on alighnment. Bilsteins are also the best way to go, shop around and you can find them at a great price.

Thanks. I put Bilsteins on my 123 and have been very happy with them. Seems like the obvious thing to do here. Thanks again.

Check the condition of the top strut mount -- if there are cracks in the rubber, replace them when you do the struts. If you do, yes, you require a front end alignment, otherwise replacing the struts alone will not require one unless you feel it drives funny after replacement.

The W124 chassis DOES have struts, but the springs are not installed over them.

CAUTION!!!! you MUST either compress the spring with a spring compressor OR support the weight of the car by lowering the lower control arm onto a jack stand BEFORE removing the strut!!! Once the strut is loose, if the lower control arm is free, it will swing down too far and release the spring, this can cause a FATAL accident......

Peter