Minimal suspension upgrades to stop rear end from squeaking

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by mrlebop, Dec 29, 2015.

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  1. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    ok, so my new Prius Plug-in is great BUT the suspension is not great (I miss my Honda Fit in that regard). The rear seats and back end squeak and groan going around curves or uneven roads.

    I've seen posts on Cusco braces but also see that the make the ride very harsh. I'm not sure if this is because of multiple mods or just the support braces.

    I'm a total novice at mods like this but would love to beef up the suspension a bit and make the car handle better. But I don't want to make it ride real harsh.

    Is there a happy medium? Beef up the front and back end, but keep the ride tolerable?
     
    #1 mrlebop, Dec 29, 2015
  2. Michael Mann

    Michael Mann Active Member

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    Prius Plus Rear Sway Bar will give you the most bang for buck. Very easy to install and you don't even need to lift the car.
     
    #2 Michael Mann, Dec 29, 2015
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  3. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    Thanks!
     
    #3 mrlebop, Dec 29, 2015
  4. eunique

    eunique Member

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    Where is a good place to purchase the Plus rear sway bar?

    Thanks in advance

    A0001 ?
     
    #4 eunique, Jan 5, 2016
  5. TRUC NGUYEN

    TRUC NGUYEN Junior Member

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    Cusco Sway Bar Scion XB ZRE152N / Prius ZVW30/ZVW40 & 41 16mm Rear
    for $280 no shipping or tax
     
    #5 TRUC NGUYEN, Jan 5, 2016
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  6. Michael Mann

    Michael Mann Active Member

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    I purchased mine from an eBay Vendor for $250 shipped but you may be able to do better or support the Prius Shop/Vendors on this site. the RSB I feel the RSB did the most bang for buck improvement. Good luck.
     
    #6 Michael Mann, Jan 5, 2016
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  7. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    Thanks everyone!
     
    #7 mrlebop, Jan 5, 2016
  8. Accordlayingkit

    Accordlayingkit Senior Member

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    He was my hookup as well last year on a few parts!
     
    #8 Accordlayingkit, Jan 5, 2016
  9. TRUC NGUYEN

    TRUC NGUYEN Junior Member

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    Also bought cusco strut brace from him too
     
    #9 TRUC NGUYEN, Jan 6, 2016
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  10. double-i

    double-i New Member

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    Have you considered sound deadening the trunk area? I currently have my rear sears and all of the rear door / side panels and trunk panels removed from mine and am sound proofing with sound deadening materials (roof flashing from local hardware store 16.99 a roll) I've projected the use of 6 rolls for the trunk area and all 4 doors. I plan to get sway bars but as I finish more and more of the sound deadening the ride is getting so much quieter. I also like the way the doors feel when I close them. The place I concentrated on the most was the trunk and the wells near the suspension. If done correctly the noise is reduced considerably.
     
    #10 double-i, Jan 9, 2016
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  11. mrlebop

    mrlebop Member

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    No but I definitely will investigate doing this. Any special type of roof flashing? Thanks!
     
    #11 mrlebop, Jan 9, 2016
  12. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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    You need the Cusco rear brace to stop the body twist responsible for the squeaking. It doesn't make the ride harsh, but it will improve handling.
     
    #12 Dark_matter_doesn't, Jan 9, 2016
  13. double-i

    double-i New Member

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    I'm trying not to bash any name brands or promote anyone here...

    I used peel & seal but they are all similar. there are some negatives about this practice to deaden sound with roof flashing instead of a "name brand" deaden-er

    1. smell - I have not smelled the difference between the dyNaM@7 and peel & seal
    2. name brand product sticks better - I have not found this to be the case with my install thus far. I cleaned the surface and stuck it on then rolled it down with a roller.
    3. name brand product sounds better - my experience is they are the same.
    4. name brand product is thicker - I cant tell with eyes so I took equal pieces of both and weighted them. both same visually and in weight.

    ...but just my opinions.
     
    #13 double-i, Jan 10, 2016
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