Should I replace the rear shock absorbers?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by bonanzoo, Nov 25, 2020.

  1. bonanzoo

    bonanzoo Member

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    When I got my oil changed at Toyota 15k miles ago (I went to Valvoline for an oil change 5k miles ago), they stated that I needed new rear shock absorbers. Shortly after, I went to Meineke and they said I only need to replace the front strut assembly. They never brought up replacing rear shock absorbers. If I do need to replace them, how long can I go for? I already went 15k miles and everything seems to be okay. I am planning to sell it at the end of next year and I will be upgrading to a Prime, so I really don't want to fix something that doesn't need immediate fixing. Below is what is stated in the service history. Everything has been done except the rear shock absorbers.

    *NEW ADVANTAGE LOF,CHECK TIRE PRESSURE,VEHICLE COND REPORT,FRT STRUT ASSY,FR UPPR SHCK/STRT NS,REAR SHOCK ABSORBER,*SPARK PLUGS R&R,YELLOW BRAKES FRONT,REPLACE FRONT BRAKES,*AIR FILTER R&R,CABIN FILTER,DECARB SERVICE,INSTALL 4 TIRES,*4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
     
    #1 bonanzoo, Nov 25, 2020
  2. davecook89t

    davecook89t Senior Member

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    How many miles are on the odometer? Did you really allow the dealer to do all the work listed above? (I can't imagine what they must have charged you for all of that). How many more miles do you expect to put on the car before you trade it in? Unless they pointed out a very specific problem with the rear shocks or unless you have serious issues with the way the car handles (I'm guessing that is unlikely), I would not be inclined to spend more money on the car than you have already.
     
    #2 davecook89t, Nov 25, 2020
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  3. bonanzoo

    bonanzoo Member

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    Right now, I’m sitting just above 155k. The only thing the dealer did was oil change for $51. I was quoted at Meineke $850 for front strut assembly but found an independent shop with OEM parts for only $480. The front struts really needed to be changed because there was always one tire that had excessive wear and that was the front right tire holding all the weight. Toyota didn’t point out any specific problem with the rear absorbers, I think they are basing it off mileage? But other than that, it drives fine. I also did the spark plugs my self and torqued them to 15lbs ea with new Densos. Air filters off eBay for $10 lol. I don’t let the stealership touch anything except an oil changes. I go to several shops before I make any repairs that I cannot DIY. I anticipate putting on 30k more miles by the time I sell it. Around 185k-190k.
     
    #3 bonanzoo, Nov 25, 2020
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  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Your driving style and driving conditions define how soon you need to get your shocks and struts replaced. If you like to drive fast on really rough roads do it soon. If you're just driving around town or on freeways real slow and roads are good you can wait a long time...
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Nov 25, 2020
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  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    If you're only doing another 30k before sale don't bother. You're obviously not suffering from a handling or steering problem now that you've had the fronts renewed. Those really are much more critical to both braking and handling than the rears anyway.

    It won't materially increase your trade-in or resale value either, so I suggest you leave well enough alone. Lots of hatchbacks go in the crusher with 250k & original rear struts.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 25, 2020
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  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Shops LOVE to sell shocks, especially rear ones.
    Off and on in about 10 minutes usually, charging an hour for labor......and often a 100% markup on the parts too.

    Under the circumstances you described, I certainly would NOT replace the rear shocks without some symptoms or a second opinion.

    As for the struts causing your unusual wear on only one front tire.......I'm a bit skeptical about that too.
    Have you done an alignment ?
    Does it fail the "bumper bounce" test ??
     
    #6 sam spade 2, Nov 25, 2020
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  7. bonanzoo

    bonanzoo Member

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    That’s good to know, thank you. I just commute to work 11 miles each way. 50% highway and 50% city driving.
     
    #7 bonanzoo, Nov 25, 2020
  8. bonanzoo

    bonanzoo Member

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    Yes, I did an alignment and brand new tires and the excessive wear still kept happening on the front right tire. I rotated them and the same thing happen with the front right tire. I changed the front strut assembly and the problem went away. I should have done a bumper bounce test to diagnose. I have never heard of this until now, good to know.
     
    #8 bonanzoo, Nov 25, 2020
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