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Rough Suspesnsion - Do I change it?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Quiteride, Dec 6, 2008.

  1. Quiteride

    Quiteride New Member

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    My 05 Prius is driving a bit more rough than before. It is now at 45k and with roads in Boston ...it doesn't help.

    Any recommendations / suggestions :confused: on which struts or whatever suspension system needs to be changes on a Prius.

    The car also jumps when I try to brake during a wet road with a pothole. Now with the suspension getting stiffer the jumping is getting scary :eek:.... anyone out there having the same problem?

    Suggestions to change suspension or not - if to change ...please give recommendations :)
     
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you perceive deterioration in the ride, then it is reasonable to replace the front struts and rear shocks. However this will be pretty costly, perhaps $800 or so, if done at your friendly Toyota dealer. Substantial labor content is required to remove and replace the four struts/shocks.
     
  3. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Sometimes, when a suspension gets worn out, the ride becomes soft and floaty. Other times, especially if the bushings have stuck or deteriorated, the ride quality can become harsh

    My Prius is starting to become a bit floaty. It's probably time for me to have the struts replaced. Yes, expect at least an $800 hit
     
  4. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    how are your tires?
     
  5. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    the rear shocks should be a DIY kind of job.. if they are blown, they should colapse when you unbolt them. if it's anything like my lincoln was, you bolt in the bottom and cut the band so the top expands into the top shock mount.. then bolt the top shock.

    the fronts take more work because there are springs around the struts.
     
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Both front struts and rear shocks require compression and removal of the coil springs. Rear is probably harder because you have to remove the hatch trim to access. It is certainly feasible to DIY but requires considerable time.

    IIRC, the cost of Toyota-branded front struts is around $100 each while the rear shocks are around $120 for the pair (plus shipping) if you buy from one of the Toyota dealers that offer discounted prices for Internet orders.
     
  7. Huntceet

    Huntceet Junior Member

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    Removing strut/spring assemblies is not too difficult. If you get new struts with springs already installed, which I doubt, replacment is a piece of cake. However if you have to remove your old springs from the struts it's not really a DIY job. Do yourself a favor and have a professional do the spring work.

    Rod
     
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Change tyres?
     
  9. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    If you are going fix your suspension spend the money to do it right. You'll need:
    Front Struts
    Upper Strut Bearings (Front)
    Control Arm Bushings (Front)
    Rear Shocks

    While the suspension shop is doing the work have them check the tie-rods as well. They will be coming off anyway so you should replace them if needed.

    You will also need an alignment after your front struts are done.

    DO NOT have this done at the dealership! This is basic work that any qualified mechanic and most DIY home mechanics can easily do. You will save 30% to 50% by having a independent shop do it.

    My full suspension refurbish cost $868 with upgraded Bilstein shocks and struts. (That was for my VW at the local VW specialist shop.)
     
  10. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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