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shocks? struts? ride has bumpy sounds

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Blackwing, Apr 27, 2017.

  1. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    As far as I know everything is fine except sometimes i hear bumpy noises from a front tire while driving. My car has 255k miles. 2004 prius. I think a Strauss Auto told me in 2012 that I had leaky struts. Thanks guys let's PriusChat!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you had a diagnosis in 2012 about a leaky strut, you should replace the front struts
     
  3. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    I thought they were lying to get money out of me so I decided to keep driving it. It's been real solid. I still have the old paperwork when they told me that, with full dates and monetary figures. What types of struts are the best for 2004 prius? I wanna install them myself and rent the tools for a day.
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I get all my stuff from online Toyota dealers. They are the best.
     
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  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Hard to understand how folks go so long with virtually no shocks at all.
    The G2 is rough over bumps and hits hard with new shocks. The original struts are good for about 60000 miles . When I replaced mine at 100k all around all the shocks were virtually empty they had no shock cushion at all.

    I bought oem all around on line. Make sure you get new steering top bearing also on the fronts because they'll be destroyed.
    It was around $1000 all around with all boots and bearings installed with front end alignment.
     
  6. Blackwing

    Blackwing Member

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    Whats a boot and a bearing? I can't post links yet but look up "Strut & Spring Assembly Front Left & Right Pair Set of 2 for 04-09 Toyota Prius" on eBay for $114.39 free shipping. Is this what I should get?

    By the way I wanna say i've been really good with my car. So far I've replaced on my own.

    1.) 12v auxillary battery
    2.) both headlights
    3.) one taillight assembly

    The 12v i bought oem at a dealership, replaced it myself in about 2 hours.

    Headlights were annoying to get to but easy. About 20 mins each. Just the bulbs

    The Taillight assembly was pretty easy too. I bought aftermarket on eBay for ~$70.00 It took me about 3 hours to research and 30 mins to replace.
     
  7. 05PreeUs

    05PreeUs Senior Member

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    Noises are *generally not* due to leaking or failed struts, but anti-sway bar links, strut bearings, strut bushings and the worst possible - bad ball joint(s).

    ANY suspension noise that even remotely sounds like two objects hitting each other is cause for immediate investigation by a qualified professional. In most cases a repair will be necessary, that is, NOT optional for safety.
     
  8. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    My front and rear suspension needs replacing. I am going to go to Mavis. They quoted me $700, and use Monroe shocks and struts. I know I need to replace them because my tires are wearing unevenly. I had a flat the other day, and when I put on the spare I found out why. See tire pic. I also experienced what I would describe as severe vibrations, anytime I crossed over 63 mph. So soon the suspension, for now four new tires.
     

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  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    That tire is ridiculous.

    Suspension does not cause vibration. Thats all tire. Be aware it is incredibly easy to bend the stock rims on a G2. One good curb hit or a blowout riding on the rim or a deep pothole will do it.

    Have them check all four rims for straightness. A slightly bent wheel will start to exhibit at speed above 50 mph's. Best way to check the rim is have them throw each of them on a back wheel and screw them down and spin the tire while watching it. The tiniest bend is very easy to see.
    This test is much more accurate then the usual way they measure for a bent wheel on the machine. I had a really good tire guy show me this. I had 3 bent rims and had been chasing vibration at another tire store for months because there machine said it was ok.
    Nothing beats the human eye. Even the slightest out of round is easy to see.
     
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  10. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    Completely ridiculous!

    Suspension Replacement (2008 Touring) | PriusChat
     
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  11. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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  12. KAR IDEA

    KAR IDEA Member

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    UPDATE: On June 30, 2017 the car was diagnosed and worked on by a local mechanic (less than a 10 minute walk from my home). I'd been thinking about bring the car over there for over two years, but never bothered. I'm glad I brought it there. They said the suspension is fine, everything tight, nothing broken, no squatting and on a test drive it handled the road well, but pulled slightly left. The car was a 1/4" out of alignment, they adjusted it. They suggested I bring it back in 3K miles, so they could check my tires for uneven wear, which would indicate a suspension problem.

    Today August 23, about 5K miles later (I was 2K over due for the tire check but they did not scold me) I had them change the oil and check the tires. Everything checked out fine and dandy.