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Anyone notice a big improvement in ride with new KYB strut assemblies?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Samuraidog, Mar 26, 2022.

  1. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    I have found plenty of threads on this site about front struts, but none seem to have any feedback on the effect that new front strut assemblies have had on their ride and handling.

    I have a 2009 Prius with 185k miles on Michigan's awful pothole-ridden roads. The ride on my Prius never seemed to bother me too much (no squeaks or clunks) until I recently rented a cheapo Kia Forte. After turning in the Kia Forte car rental (23k miles on the odometer) and returning to my Prius, I could immediately notice a difference in the ride and had me feeling like my Prius needs an upgrade. Surely a Prius should have a better ride than a Kia Forte.

    From what I can tell, KYB seems to be the way to go with strut assemblies.

    Can anyone who installed the KYB front strut assemblies chime in on how noticeable a difference they felt in the ride and handling? Was it a significant improvement?

    I just want to make sure I am not wasting my time/money replacing my factory strut assemblies. I'd feel bummed if I replaced the parts and didn't notice any difference.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 Samuraidog, Mar 26, 2022
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I installed a complete assembly by AC Delco, it has the top strut mount, springs, strut all in 1 piece. It's at a closeout price on Rockauto for around $73.00. Easy to install since it's all in one unit already. Can't be that price since you'll pay more for just the strut on a KYB unit.

    The ride is very similar to the OEM unit I put onto a different Prius about 2 years ago.
     
    #2 JC91006, Mar 26, 2022
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  3. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    I'd have no problem using a different brand if I knew for sure it would perform well and be durable. I've had a bad experience with Monroe strut assemblies on a different car many years ago, so I've basically written Monroe off.

    Was there a noticeable improvement after you installed these AC Delco strut assemblies? Did it make your ride feel like it was new again?

    Or, am I just looking for something that isn't there? In other words, maybe the ride in a Prius will never be like that of a luxury vehicle???

    I'd hate to spend a few hundred dollars on new strut assemblies only to have my wife tell me the ride feels the same.
     
    #3 Samuraidog, Mar 26, 2022
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Monroe struts are the worst. AC Delco is an OEM manufacturer, they will have good quality parts. The ride definitely way better. Similar quality to OEM Toyota product (some say it's KYB made but I feel KYB is a little stiffer than OEM ride)
     
    #4 JC91006, Mar 26, 2022
  5. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    Did you just replace the front assemblies or do both front and rear?
     
    #5 Samuraidog, Mar 26, 2022
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I have OEM struts on the rear, the price for the rear struts from Toyota are fairly cheap (I reused the springs on the rear). The front ones are way more expensive, for just the strut unit (still need the mount and springs if you choose to change them). Since my car has 200k miles on it, I felt new springs on a complete unit up front can only help the ride.
     
    #6 JC91006, Mar 26, 2022
  7. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    Thank you. I ordered the AC Delco assemblies for the front. I'll figure out the rear later.
     
    #7 Samuraidog, Mar 26, 2022
  8. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    I forgot to ask...Do I need to do an alignment after replacing these front struts?

    I'd assume I don't need to do an alignment after replacing the rear shocks.
     
    #8 Samuraidog, Mar 27, 2022
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can do an alignment afterwards, mine was tracking straight and I skipped it
     
    #9 JC91006, Mar 27, 2022
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