Bouncy ride

[dkahl]

Hi all,

I'm posting here because I am a new owner, but also so I don't get yelled at! I have searched the answer to this question for a couple days (not straight, obviously!) and can't find a clear response. Also, I have a used 2005, so I don't know what changes may or may not have been made already. So, here it goes...

I've driven my new baby for about 4 days now. I've noticed the ride is fairly bumpy. With 75K miles, it might need new shocks. The left to right sway (if that's the correct word) doesn't bother me, but the ride over bumps do. It's as though I can feel every little groove in the road.

I've also read my share of BT stiffening plate and strut bar mod recommendations/rebuttals. Most of these tend to use words like "tighter ride" on "rollovers" or crosswinds, which I don't think is the problem I have. The tightness seems like it would make me feel more bumps, not less.

I need to check tire pressure, but what do you all think I need to update? Shocks (which will be checked next week)? Would the stiffening plate help, or the strut bar? I'll check tire pressure tomorrow, but I don't think that will make much difference, will it? Thanks in advance for your advice to this Prius novice, and sorry about my scientific descriptions!

[ZC1]

I'd check two things.
1. Your tire air pressure (mine is at 40front, 38 rear)
2. Your shocks/struts
3. New tires

Sorry, I can't count. I didn't pay attention in school.

ZC1

[dkahl]

Will do. Any advice or need for the mods?

[Bill Merchant]

What tires are you running now? Has the 12V battery been replaced? Are there any mods on the car now?

[dkahl]

Sorry for no response. I was out of town...I'm a new uncle as of yesterday...and no, I'm not talking about another Prius!

The tires are BF Goodrich Touring T/A (I think that's right). I know I need to check the pressures...can't find my guage. There aren't any mods on it as far as I can tell, and I don't think the battery has been replaced. The dealer will check the battery on Tuesday, so I'll ask if it is the original.

On my trip today, it seemed better. However, it was mostly highway, so it was much smoother than some city roads.

[richard schumacher]

It can be harsh. Higher tire pressure means better MPGs but a harder ride. Eh. Pick yer poison.

[amm0bob]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

It can be harsh. Higher tire pressure means better MPGs but a harder ride. Eh. Pick yer poison.

[narf]

Hi there,

What kind of car are you used to? I found the stock Prius suspension to be a bit soft if anything. If the ride is harsh then either the air pressure is REALLY high, or you have a shock that has seized up. Lots of Prius owners run their air pressure way higher than what the sticker says in order to get even better mileage, the previous owner may have done that. If a shock has seized then you will find either one corner or one end of the car that is really hard to bounce up and down by hand. (When the car is parked of course).

[dkahl]

Hi all.

I had the dealer update the maintainance today and it seemed better when I got it back. Either I'm getting used to it, or the tires needed inflated and/or rotated. Either way, today was much better.

Thanks again for all the responses. I came to the Prius from a Chevy Malibu that needed new shocks, so anything seems smoother than that. I expected a gliding kind of ride, but instead, it's a bit more bouncy than I expected. Maybe I'm getting used to it, but like I said, I didn't notice so much today.