Hints Regarding Replacement of 2G Front Struts

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by talonts

FYI, I've had a strut replacement VFAQ on the site for years - Springs/Struts Install

Thanks, Tom. Wait until Galaxee's DH sees the spring compressors you used...

[talonts]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

Thanks, Tom. Wait until Galaxee's DH sees the spring compressors you used...

Yeah, not the best, but the tensions here are surprisingly low - if I had had a 2nd person while doing the job, I wouldn't have needed the compressors at all - remove the top nut before jacking the car all the way up to remove the springs, and push HARD on the springs while a 2nd person starts the nut. I seem to remember actually getting the nut on the shaft on one of them when using the lowering springs, when I wasn't also trying to hold a camera at the same time.

And the ones I had aren't really meant for daily usage like the HD ones with U-bolt clamps that most dealers use.

[The Critic]

Great guide, Patrick. What was the size of the two lower strut mounting bolts?

I've replaced struts before on other cars, but not on the Prius specifically. Judging from your guide, it sounds like you did not have access to an impact wrench.

With an impact wrench, I usually loosen the "big nut" (that holds down the strut mount) while the assembly is still mounted on the vehicle. It is a tad dangerous, but loosening it 1/2 turn or so hasn't given me any problems.

Also, the SST really isn't necessary if you have an impact wrench. The power of the impact will allow you to loosen/tighten the nut without needing to hold down the center rod. I would also fully tighten the assembly before reinstalling it onto the vehicle.

With an impact wrench, I have been able to replace four struts in about 1.5 hours, even for my first time. Two fronts can easily be done in under an hour. While I don't agree with Patrick that a strut replacement is a big job, it is definitely a job that should not be attempted unless you have the correct tools. As elitist as this may sound, I would not do this job if you do not have an impact wrench-- it's just too painfully slow and tiring.

Also, the others have brought up an important point about spring compressors. This is what could happen if the spring compressor fails:

YouTube - How NOT to do a Strut

YouTube - How NOT to do a Strut

(Fast forward to 1:09)

[patsparks]

OMG, that was bad!!

My left front strut was replaced under warranty, the other is fine.
When it needs to be changed I will remove it and take it to my old employer's workshop to use their floor mounted hydraulic spring compressor.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by The Critic

Great guide, Patrick. What was the size of the two lower strut mounting bolts?

I've replaced struts before on other cars, but not on the Prius specifically. Judging from your guide, it sounds like you did not have access to an impact wrench.

...As elitist as this may sound, I would not do this job if you do not have an impact wrench-- it's just too painfully slow and tiring.

A 19 mm deep socket is needed to remove the nuts that are attached to the lower mounting bolts.

When changing Prius struts/shocks, some of the time needed is just to gain access to the top of the strut or the shock. To gain access to the front, you have to remove the cowl. To gain access to the rear, you have to remove most of the hatch trim.

I agree that if you are equipped with a large air compressor, impact wrench, and a professional-grade spring compressor, that the job would go much faster. The point of my guide is to help shed light on what you can achieve, lacking those tools. The $ savings is sufficiently large so that I don't mind expending the time.

It may be true that a professional mechanic could replace the front Prius struts in an hour. If so, it seems that the Toyota dealerships are pricing that hour of labor at ~$500-$600 or more.

The video was very interesting. Although I can't tell for sure, it looks like the mechanic did not use a spring compressor for the sake of making an entertaining clip... I wonder if he was aiming the spring at the SUV in the parking lot...

[patsparks]

Yes, the video was deliberate but I think they were surprised how much energy was in that spring, I know I was.