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Sway Bar End Links and Struts

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by james1977, Mar 21, 2022.

  1. james1977

    james1977 New Member

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    2011 Prius
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    Three
    I have a 2011 Prius III. Took my car to the dealership to have the engine coolant flushed and replaced. I was told that my car has broken sway bar end links in the front. I was also told that I need new struts. The dealership wants to charge over $1500 for this front end work.

    Is this something that can be done elsewhere cheaper? Is this a repair that is critical to have done by the dealership?

    Also, how dangerous is it to drive the car like this? (Should I have it towed to whoever will be changing this stuff?)

    TIA.
     
    #1 james1977, Mar 21, 2022
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    As long as you don't go on the hwy you should be fine
     
    #2 tankyuong, Mar 22, 2022
    james1977 likes this.
  3. ToyXW

    ToyXW Active Member

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    ----USA----
    You'll be fine. They're probably not even broken - the end links just tend to wear out and get loose & rattle when you hit bumps.

    $1500 is crazy dealership prices. A pair of new front strut assemblies cost about $200-250 online. End links are about $40. An independent shop will probably charge in the ballpark of $200 to install them plus another $100 for an alignment.

    You could also get a more complete front end parts kit for $400: 2010 2010-2015 Toyota Prius Front 8 Piece Suspension Kit - AM-1009140789 at AM Autoparts Add ~$200 for tie rods & sway bar bushings and you'd probably get a whole new front suspension installed for maybe $900...
     
    #3 ToyXW, Mar 22, 2022
    james1977 likes this.
  4. james1977

    james1977 New Member

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    Three
    Thank you so much! This information is very helpful and I appreciate it!
     
    #4 james1977, Mar 22, 2022
  5. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    Get a second opinion. The dealerships are generally 2 to 3 times higher then an independent shop plus you may not even need the parts.
     
    #5 2010moneypit?, Mar 23, 2022
  6. 2010moneypit?

    2010moneypit? Active Member

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    Side note dealerships are like Casinos. They have a lot of overhead. As a customer you are supporting all their high cost
    Try to find a mom and pop shop
     
    #6 2010moneypit?, Mar 23, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2022
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