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Stiff suspension, feel every bump

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Gastiboy, Sep 25, 2023.

  1. Gastiboy

    Gastiboy New Member

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    I have been gifted a 2005 Prius. Ride feels stiff when I go over uneven road like railroad or cracks. It’s like having low profile tires. Is this a common ride quality on the 2nd gen Prius?
     
    #1 Gastiboy, Sep 25, 2023
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what car are you coming from?
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 25, 2023
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Check the tire pressures. Many owners bump the pressures way up to get slightly improved MPG, but it makes a significantly more harsh ride experience. If they're high, bump them down to the 32-35 range and the ride should soften up a LOT.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Sep 25, 2023
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    It doesn’t have the best suspension. Basic McPherson’s up front and a semi-independent torsion beam in the back. It could also be because of worn parts in the suspension. But yes it’s wasn’t super comfortable when new. Check the tyre pressures. They do have a noticeable impact on ride quality on a Gen 2.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Sep 25, 2023
  5. Gastiboy

    Gastiboy New Member

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    32 psi on all wheels. Did replace the front struts and sway link. It’s still the same. Wasted $700 bucks.
     
    #3 Gastiboy, Sep 28, 2023
    bisco likes this.
  6. Meter guy

    Meter guy Junior Member

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    I live in florida where it gets really hot in the summer. ive had my 09 prius since 14 and have noticed something.
    when i keep the tires at 35, and happen to drive a distance on the interstate or other similar road, i have damaged my tires due to the internal pressure rise from road temp, one time when i noticed this the tires internal temp was upper 40s right when i noticed it. they start separating and i get a thump thump thump.
    i nolonger keep any of my tires at 35, now I keep at 32 and have not had a single tire separate since.
     
    #3 Meter guy, Sep 30, 2023
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Where do you live again?
     
    #3 bisco, Sep 30, 2023
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Sorry.
    It IS a small car.
    Get used to it.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Sep 30, 2023
  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    I replaced all 4 of my struts with KYB's at 70,000 on my bought new 07. Only difference it made was the steering effort was much lighter since i replaced the strut steering bearings. Exact same stiffness. Big waste of money.

    Its the hardest hitting stiffest little car I have ever owned or driven in. To me it was shocking when brand new how hard it hit road imperfections but that was made much worse by the Goodyear Integrity LRR tires that came on it stock which are the worlds worst tire.. A LRR tire is a very hard tire. That's how they achieve RR.

    Try to push the front end down at the front quarters. Try as hard as you can. It wont budge.

    As i got older and had back surgery neither my wife or I could stand it and sold the car. The seats are awful too. Its an engineering marvel when ti came out a very reliable car but sweet jesus does it have a bad ride.
     
    #3 edthefox5, Oct 1, 2023
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    funny, i came out of an 02 taurus for my 04 prius, and i never really noticed. maybe because i was just in such awe of the prius hybrid synergy drive :cool:
     
    #3 bisco, Oct 1, 2023
  11. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    Check your alignment

    Who's the manufacturer of the struts
     
    #3 douglasjre, Oct 1, 2023
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