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shock/strut replacement tips

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by oil_burner, May 7, 2019.

  1. oil_burner

    oil_burner Active Member

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    2006 Prius
    At 230k my shocks were worn out and I replaced them with KYB units, however I decided to reuse the upper strut mount as they looked relatively good condition. The ride improved immensely but then steadily started to decline around 270k I noticed the car was hitting quite hard on pavement cracks and potholes. I went about replacing some other suspension components like the bump stops, strut mounts, and lower arms.

    The strut mounts I installed made a huge difference and I would recommend you dont reuse the old ones. Another big improvement was actually the lower engine torque mount/brace that ties the engine/trans to the frame. When worn it allows the engine to rock/bounce over bumps. So if your budget is limited like mine I would recommend to do these two mounts as they made the biggest difference in ride quality, as much improvement as the new shocks themselves.
     
    #1 oil_burner, May 7, 2019
    donbright, Fostel, Rebound and 4 others like this.
  2. Fostel

    Fostel Member

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    Wow, that's interesting.
    When I inspected suspension on mine, described in another thread.
    https://priuschat.com/threads/2013-suspension-knock-help-needed.219943

    I noticed this thing looking worn/torn and broken off?! Can I have your opinion?
    IMG_20200928_140810_80.jpg engine_mount_light1.jpg IMG_20200928_140845_.jpg

    Replacing this looks like a serious job but actually, it may be a solution for me.
    Noted! Thanks.

    PS. I remember reading here on PC, some time ago about Toyota Technical Service Bulletin regarding engine mount. Am I right?
     
    #2 Fostel, Oct 2, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2020
  3. M in KC

    M in KC Active Member

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    Upper strut mounts are the equivalent of upper ball joints. They should be replaced when the strut cartridge is replaced.

    Fostel, that is one of your motor mounts. It is worn/torn and should be replaced. It's deteriorating condition will put added stress on the others.
     
    #3 M in KC, Oct 2, 2020
    donbright, ASRDogman and Fostel like this.
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Two
    M that engine mount is blown.

    The upper strut mount is the steering bearing. That allows the strut to turn when commanded by the steering. It must be replaced with new struts it is a wear item. The entire weight of the front of the car rides on that bearing and is much like the ball joint in that way.

    You will notice 100% better easier steering with a new strut mount. The fact is new struts don/t seem to last long at all on this car. I replaced mine at 90,000 miles now at 150,000 miles the ride is once again hard as a rock.

    Stock struts last about 70,000 miles then they go to hell. i was hoping the KYB's would last longer but like the OP they faded faster than stock.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Oct 9, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2020
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