Replace both struts AND shocks?

I don't think the bounce test is effective on the Prius. I have tried that on my vehicles, and even though I can't force excessive bounce with that test, I've found the worn struts/shocks are pretty bad after removal and inspection. My basis for saying "pretty bad" is determining the rate at which the strut rod will expand out of the body once compressed, and comparing to new.

 

Bounce test doesn’t really work on any newer car. By the time they would fail the bounce test they would be almost undrivable.

 

Thanks. Ill just go ahead and put that on the list of things to do.

 

Clay- I did exactly as you did, ordered the front strut/spring assembly from Rockauto-big time saver (since I'm very much an amateur).

For the rears I ordered KYB shocks from rock auto and ordered new Springs from Toyota. There was a noticeable rear height difference when the spring change was done.

 

I would add that replacing the coil springs would add zero extra labor while doing the struts, so if you're going to do it, now is the time!

 

Labor for all four shocks/struts came to $280 so that's $550 total for full Monroe assembly kit in front 172357 and 172358, and strut replacement in back 72394 (2). They also said to wait 150 miles or so before doing alignment fwiw. (They don't do it there). Rides much much better now. Mechanic confirmed they were original parts removed, replaced after 130,000 miles. And it was by then a pretty rough ride even though it didn't bounce. So idk about that push down test. I just know it rides better now and doesn't make same noise with bumps.

 

Rph

rph74. What you're saying makes a lot of sense I should have done that!! They said they looked OK but for just the price of the springs I'm sure it would've made a lot more sense to go ahead and get new ones. How much did you get the two rear springs for?

 

I bought the springs from Toyota of Dallas. I just looked, and they have springs listed at $54.88 each.

 

Anyone of you members recall a chat where there's a mechanic in El Monte, CA. that replaces the strut, and coil, for a good price? Or, a good mechanic in the Chino, CA. who works on Prius? Thank you!