Alignment Discussions Gen2 2007 / Rough DIY Align

balance is irrelevant for alignment. all tires need to be properly inflated, and not worn unevenly. the dealer apparently will refuse to shim the rear axle if its out of spec, so you may want to find a good independent shop. however most independent shops have a "set the toe and let it go" philosophy, so you want to insist on a before and after printout which shows the specs to verify they did get your car set up correctly, assuming its not somehow damaged beyond where it can be aligned.

 

The alignment shops/computer has the manufacture specs on all the angles. The alignment printout should list what your car is currently reading and the MIN/MAX values for each of the various measurements.

KYB is supposedly the OEM for Toyota sturts/shocks, for the Prius.
Not familiar w/ Detroit Axle. Unfortunately no Bilstein struts/shocks for the Prius.

When I replaced mine, I went w/ KYB. Ironically, the rear shock would have been cheaper to get from Toyota. But, I went w/ KYB for the lifetime warranty. At that time, Toyota offered lifetime warranty on shocks/struts, only when installed by Toyota at arm/leg labor rates. Toyota no longer offers lifetime warranty on strut/shock, even when installed by Toyota.

Post #13 has the list of parts and cost, when I replaced mine in 2014.
Additional Front/Rear Strut Replacement Parts Needed Too? | PriusChat

I would avoid the "quick" strut/shock assemblies, that's just me. Questionable quality of parts used. Shops like them b/c saves time. Ultra frugal DIY people like them b/c super cheap.

 

With vehicle jacked up and properly supported. Grab wheel and pull straight towards you, as if you were taking wheel off. IE, hands at 3 & 9 o'clock position on tire, pull with both hands towards you. Do NOT jiggle; do NOT alternate force at 3 & 9 o'clock position. PULL straight towards you with equal force at 3 & 9 o'clock position. If the bushings are BADLY WORN, you will feel play. A pry bar is also useful to visually check for wear/cracks, and to see if you can force excessive play.

1:09-1:12, shows a scary picture of the rubber bushing, horribly worn out. Granted this is for a Matrix 2003-2008, but you get the idea.
The video does a good job of showing extreme excessive motion due to the worn bushing.

This post shows a picture of a worn Gen2 Prius bushing, requiring replacement of the lower control arm. Embeded Youtube video of Scotty Kilmer showing him working on a Lexus; but you get the idea.
Dealer says need lower control arms $1040 | PriusChat

Lower Control Arm diagram and part #s from Toyota. Toyota does NOT sell the bushings separately b/c difficult to remove and replace.

Scotty Video showing why this quick strut assembly is bad.

 

Worthwhile to do both sides? Not sure. I just can't see the the other side being much better.

Scotty waxes philisophical:

"And it doesn't matter where junk is put together; it's still going to be junk..."

 

It's funny, about the stock springs actually being thinner, compared to the replacement quick strut. The point being that it costs, to take the time and effort to dial it in right on spec.

 

Ordered front and rear Monroe quick struts. Installed rear yesterday. Some great video out there. Awaiting one front, different wearhouse. Will change our front, get 2 need tires and alignment. Didn't get kyb because I'm lazy and didn't want to change over the springs myself and kyb only had front quick strut. Also didn't want to mix/match different manufacturers (kyb/Monroe).

 

Installed fronts. Much better feeling looking forward to alignment and 4 new tires. Went pretty easy. Thanks to the write ups and videos.

SM-T700 ?

 

Got a life time alignment from Fire Stone for around $150 when my Prius 2006 was purchased new. Went to get free alignment whenever I hit a pot hole on the road. I have been to the shop countless times. The shop typically would also do a free routine inspection and recommend any needed repair/replacement service. I typically would perform the recommended services myself.

 

You can't do this yourself . A Little knowledge is dangerous ! Find a good "private shop" that does alignments, better if is all they do ! Pay them and stick with them . I did alignments for over 25 years ,that's my recommendation .george