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Front Strut Replacement technique

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by JayHart, Jul 1, 2016.

  1. JayHart

    JayHart Junior Member

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    I watched the vid that showed a huge amount of cowl/plastic/metal removal to allow replacement of the front
    struts. I bent a 14mm ratcheting wrench to an offset and I can reach and loosen/tighten the 3 nuts on each strut.
    Why would one go through all of that work/hassle when you can possibly just do what I suggested.
    Am I missing anything?
    I needs front struts but the 800-950 quotes due to disassembly is a lot of $$.

    Thanks,

    Jay
     
    #1 JayHart, Jul 1, 2016
  2. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    Can you reach those nuts with a moderately offset non-ratcheting box-end wrench?
     
    #2 CR94, Jul 1, 2016
  3. JayHart

    JayHart Junior Member

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    I will post a few pics
    Jay
     
    #3 JayHart, Jul 2, 2016
  4. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    THAT would save quiet some time/
     
    #4 StarCaller, Jul 2, 2016
  5. JayHart

    JayHart Junior Member

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    I got all 3 loose enough to finish by hand. The front 2 just used a long straight box end to get enough torque.
    The back one needed an offset/bend. I know I will not be able to get a torque wrench for reassembly.
    I'm ok with that. Any one else try this approach yet/before?
     
    #5 JayHart, Jul 2, 2016
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you have a way to fit a socket or driver to the other end of your offset tool, and you measure the effective length of your tool (from the center of the box going over the strut nuts/bolts to the center of the socket/driver at the other end) and the effective length of your torque wrench, algebra can give you the proper setting on your torque wrench to give you the specified torque at the nut/bolt.

    -Chap
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Jul 3, 2016
  7. JayHart

    JayHart Junior Member

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    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    A = offset wrench center-center length
    B = torque wrench center-pivot length

    T = desired torque
    mT = modfied torque (as read on torque wrench)

    mT = T * B/ (A + B)

    so if A & B are roughly equal then the mT is about 1/2 of T.

    Seems reasonable.
    Thanks

    I'd like to hear if getting these 3 nuts off/on of each strut is all it will take up above
    to get the strut in/out.

    Seems like this should do it????
     
    #7 JayHart, Jul 3, 2016
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, that is correct.

    However, once you have the strut out of the car you have to remove the large nut at the center of the strut top mounting bracket, after putting the spring compressors on. This is not so easy to do if you don't have a large vise to hold the strut.

    Having done this job several times on my Classic and 2G Prius vehicles, I have found that it is much easier to remove that large nut by loosening it 1/4 turn while the strut remains in the car. Obviously you will not be able to do that without having free access to the top of the strut, which implies the windshield wiper motor and tray are first removed for such access.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Jul 3, 2016
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