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question: will installing lowering springs ruin my factory warranty?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Jason Lee, Jun 14, 2014.

  1. Jason Lee

    Jason Lee New Member

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    Hello! newbie here with probably a newbie question but was wondering...

    will installing lowering springs or rims affect my factory warranty such as the ToyotaCare roadside assistance or the maintenance services? any info will help, thanks!
     
  2. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Only for the parts you install and damage related to the suspension caused by those parts.
     
  3. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    Actually that would be damage to ANYTHING caused by the modifications.
    The C is pretty low already.
    I think you should consider something like that very carefully........as parts under the car may scrape under some conditions.
    And if you put on shorter springs, you would need shorter shocks too because the stock ones wouldn't be centered anymore and would be more likely to bottom out on a big bump, with possible resulting damage to the shocks or mounts.
    And I forgot about checking tire clearance too.
    It would be a real shame to go to all that trouble only to find that the tires now rub on the fenders.
     
  4. Jason Lee

    Jason Lee New Member

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    i see... well some more things to consider. thanks for the info!
     
  5. Spock

    Spock Junior Member

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    my 2 cents, from experience, is just to do it RIGHT. as in, get the springs, upgrade suspension, get it realigned etc. expensive I know but it'll be more expensive over the life of the car if you don't. most people don't consider just how much damage that stress can do if you just put springs in and your ride is stiff and rocking all over the place from simple bumps on the road. it will wear down components in your car that normally would not over its lifetime. $$$ and :cry:
     
  6. RightOnTime

    RightOnTime Senior Member

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    +1 (y)
     
  7. mertechperformance

    mertechperformance Active Member

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    Depending upon how low the shocks/struts may be a non issue. probably no shorter shocks available, or very few out there. fwiw. PS they would also have to PROVE that your modifications caused any said damage...
     
  8. Jason Lee

    Jason Lee New Member

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    thanks for the help! i guess thats the answer i was looking for.
     
  9. Easy Rider

    Easy Rider Active Member

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    Well that's not really true........for a couple of reasons.
    If common sense says that there is a connection, no further proof will likely be required.
    AND the company is in control of warranty claims.
    If/when they deny one, then the trouble and expense is on YOU to fight it.
    They have lawyers and experts on retainer; you don't.
     
  10. mertechperformance

    mertechperformance Active Member

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    Look up Magnussen vs moss.
    The proof of burden is ON THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER.

    You can also ask that a Corporate tech comes out and weighs in...

    After-market Accessories Do Not Effect New Vehicle Warranties » Tundra Headquarters Blog | Tundra Headquarters Blog

    Either way mild lowering on a C would at worst cause premature wear on shocks/struts. Don't think too many people would try to warranty claim that on a lowered modified car. Our suspension design limits the negative camber and toe issues some other cars have. Get an align,ent when done and worse case is 10k to 30 quicker shock/strut wear.

    Then again I don't see the benefit to a mild drop spring, no better ride and IMO not low enough to "look cool".

    Extreme suspension height change on a C could mess with axles. Then again my xB was over 3 inches lower than stock up front and had over 100k hard miles NO accelerated wear whatsoever...


    But yes without even getting lawyers involved you can get a dealership to show you how your mod caused damage vs just linking this and that. Once again, the Burden of proof is on THEM.

    They're not there to give work away, nor are they there to get a bad name and lose a customer. Some dealers are MUCH more willing to work with you than others. Hard to tell until you can read some reviews/ talk to customers. It may also vary service writer to service writer as well.