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Front end too low

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by GabriolaGuy, Jun 6, 2018.

  1. GabriolaGuy

    GabriolaGuy Junior Member

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    2016 Prius C front end keeps scraping on parking lot curbs.
    So far, over $2000 in repairs.
    ANyone using something to deal with this? I'm sure I'm not alone with this situation.
    Front camera at bumper height? Bumper protector of some sort?
    Thinking of some sort of chrome or alum bar but what would I attach it to that has some strength?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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  3. Matt H

    Matt H Active Member

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    I remember a story about F1 driver Montoya, when he went to CART from F1. While out on the track, he comes over the radio, complaining how the car was being thrown around every time he clipped the apex, and put the tires over the curb. The engineer came back to him over the radio, and said "Stop driving over the curbs." LOL

    Seriously though, back-in park, learn the feel for where the bumper is, or install some kind of camera. My Lexus NX300h F-Sport has exactly this camera, which shows the entire car from above, like a drone camera. But you don't' get that for $20k :)
     
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  4. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    The car is much smaller than the spot... You should be fine with not pulling in the entire way.
     
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Wrong idea. That would just give you something strong and expensive to break or bend on the next curb.

    Just don't pull in so far. Look at the next mirror over and stop before you're even with it- your car is smaller than most others, so there will still be room.
     
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  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    As other have said, don't pull in all the way. Having owned a C in the past, what did you hit and damage for $2k?
     
  7. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    We have two C's in my family.

    I frequently scrape the lower front on concrete "bumpers" in parking lots.
    My wife and daughter NEVER have that problem.....with the same cars.

    The root of the problem here is obvious. Can you tell what it is ?? :whistle:

    Hint: It is NOT the car.

    P.S. Just because that "splitter" down there is a bit banged up, it does NOT need to be repaired back to like new.......or at all if it isn't broken loose and flapping in the wind.
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just to pile on: stop sooner when pulling into a spot.

    Ok, Dutch uncle time: you've GOT to get DIY about this. Look for yourself, see what's snagging, look into epoxy bond, fiberglass mesh, plastic-weld, whatever it takes. If you pay mechanics to fix this sort of thing it'll put you in the poor house.
     
  9. GabriolaGuy

    GabriolaGuy Junior Member

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    More of a problem with angled in front parking. In this case, can't see where the curb is because its nearer the passenger side and backing in is not applicable because often traffic is directional leading to the parking spaces.
     
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  10. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    The car is still small enough that "close" to the curb will not leave you out in traffic... if it isn't small enough, I'd hate to see an F-250 park in that spot... be blocking traffic for days.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think your best bet is to attach one of those curb feelers to the front right area. if no one knows where the metal is, you'll have to look. but maybe you could just bolt it onto the license plate screw?