Can a bad shock throw off corner balancing?

[bpu699]

Bilstein struts are pressurized, correct? So if 1 shock is bad, this would upset the stance of the car correct?

I ask since I just noticed a small leak from my right rear shock. I was planning to adjust the ride height, and then corner balance. As it sits, my right rear bumper is about 1/2 an inch low, and the left front is about 3/4 inch high...

I figure the right rear shock may have depressurized/worn out, affecting the stance...Am I correct inthinking that?

Do I need to replace the shocks first, prior to adjusting ride height/balance, or doesn't it matter?

[jmh61]

I ran into this last week. Took the pcar in for an align and corner balance after mounting new tires. The alignment got done but my wrench said the corner balance would be a waste since the rear shocks needed to be replaced.

I'll replace the shocks when I get a free afternoon and take it back in.

In your position, I'd sort out the shocks first.

[Shoepop]

Originally Posted by bpu699

Bilstein struts are pressurized, correct? So if 1 shock is bad, this would upset the stance of the car correct.

I figure the right rear shock may have depressurized/worn out, affecting the stance...Am I correct inthinking that?

Do I need to replace the shocks first, prior to adjusting ride height/balance, or doesn't it matter?

YES, YES and YES.