Hello everyone, Last night my 2011 Prius decided to practice Karate. Took a look at it tonight and it seems like the rear "control arm" is actually one big assembly? So...does anyone know any info about attempting this repair? I assume I have to change the entire thing? Used part is probably best I assume? Brakes, Speed sensor, E-brake, Spring, Struts....all have get moved over. Anything really tricky or am I missing something. Would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. PXL_20251210_183422786 by hendr1x posted Dec 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM PXL_20251210_004018483 by hendr1x posted Dec 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Looks like pretty serious metal damage that's only X arm I don't see it . But it is a horrid picture.stuff un volts but maybe the mounts are more taken out or twisted . Proceed carefully. That vehicle may have to go on a frame machine. It is a thing
Someone on Reddit recently was extolling Toyota's exemplary, factory rust-proofing... Guessing your area of the US sees a lot of road salt? The immediate issue is the rear axle: but how's the rest?? 3rd gen rear suspension info: Suspension crossmember & under cover for Toyota Prius ZVW30L-AHXBBA, 08.2009 - 12.2011 - Toyota North America Car and Auto Spare Parts - Genuine Online Car Parts Catalogue - Amayama
All the damage is rust. The bottom rotted and then it eventually cracked. That's some amazing resources. Thanks everyone but if @MrPete is still around, thanks so much. The vehicle is over all in decent shape. I don't have money for a new car so I don't think I have a choice but to try and fix. I'm not clear, why would replacing the rear axle beam require a frame machine? A couple questions came to mind while I was reading....is there a way to test a strut at home when its not on the car? I guess I can test the other side and see how it is. How about testing the wheel bearings. Is that something you can just feel/hear? Lastly do the springs ever get worn out? This car was never abused...only two owners, me and my father.
Then you probably don't need to test all that stuff you just need to repair the rusted beam axle for the mount points n all . I guess that's what I'm seeing in the picture that I can hardly see that's beam rusted in half more or less
I think the beam is the main thing. I'll go through the entire vehicle again but I don't think anything is that rusted. Clearly I didn't check that part properly before. I guess I was just thinking what else I should do while I'm in there/things are apart.
Yes that beam is literally the main rear suspension component there's a sway bar thru it 8 believe too various bushes etc