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Ok, Time to Rebuild Front Suspension, Well Sort Of...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BigED, May 9, 2010.

  1. BigED

    BigED New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    So, over the last year, my front suspension has degraded to the point it's annoying to drive, and it feels nowhere near as tight as our other '04. Since I've got 120K on it, I would imagine I should replace, well, pretty much as much as possible while I'm "in there".

    As such, I suppose my question is this; if the rubber "boots" on the ball joints, or tie rods aren't broken, and there is no meaningful "play", should I bother replacing them? Or, are those parts that only start to degrade/wear if the seals are compromised? I would like to think even if the seals are intact, grease degrades over time, and I would imagine there's SOME degree of wear. However, enough to warrant a change?

    So, here's what I'm thinking (keep in mind, I haven't gotten the Haynes manual yet, so I'm just pulling this off the top of my head):

    strut shocks
    springs
    strut bushings
    inner tie rods
    outer tie rods
    ball joints
    cross-member bushings
    sway bar bushings? (can't remember if it has one)

    I would imagine (assuming oem parts (or can someone suggest "upgrades"?)) when complete, it would ride just like the day it came off the assembly line...

    Thoughts?
     
    #1 BigED, May 9, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I'd recommend that you start with the following parts:

    1) front struts
    2) pleated rubber boots
    3) lower rubber insulators (between coil spring and strut body)
    4) top strut mounts

    I'd suggest that you replace the analogous parts in the rear suspension while you are at it.

    If you notice a continued problem, then you might dig deeper. No reason to replace the springs unless you find the car is sitting lower than normal. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, May 10, 2010
  3. carbuilder

    carbuilder New Member

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    I know this thread is already a year old but since you're at it I suggest that you might as well change the entire Ball Joint, to avoid any difficulties in the future.
     
    #3 carbuilder, Jul 11, 2011
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    Simple test for ball joint articulation but most importantly at 120K I'd be thinking about the CV joints before anything else.
    CV's failing are ugly.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Jul 12, 2011
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