Can't figure out front suspension issue.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by BigED, Apr 23, 2010.

  1. BigED

    BigED New Member

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    Something is obviously wrong/worn down. Gentle bumps give off a knocking sound. However, I did the tie rod test (wheel off the ground, pull back and fourth laterally), and the ball joint (wheel off the ground push/pull vertically) test. Both appear to be fine on each side, nothing visible either.

    Of course, I just crossed 120K miles, and this has been getting, slowly, progressively worse since last summer. I don't think it's the shocks as it appears to have the same bounce/resistance as my wife's '05...

    Any ideas?
     
    #1 BigED, Apr 23, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Given your odometer reading I would say it is likely that your front struts and rear shocks are due for changing. Further, it is certainly possible that a top strut mount is worn.

    I do not think the bounce test (while the shocks/struts are installed) is very useful on modern vehicles. It was OK on a 60's domestic car that was very softly sprung.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Apr 24, 2010
  3. halpos4

    halpos4 "Taxi"!

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    I had similar knocking sound on my 06,noise started at 180,000km,changed tie-rod and anti-roll bushings...problem persisted,my local Toyota Dealer changed front struts under warranty at 240,000km,by that time the knocking sound had become very audible...problem solved!!
     
    #3 halpos4, Apr 26, 2010
  4. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Do you have some kind of extended warranty?
     
    #4 2009Prius, Apr 26, 2010
  5. halpos4

    halpos4 "Taxi"!

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    LOL!!
    No,just a really good relationship with my Toyota Dealer,
    From new up until Dec 08,i had my 06 Taxi serviced 6 time per year,,15,000km intervals,i had a Corolla prior to my Prius..also serviced there,so the service manager just said "leave it with me"...so i did!!
     
    #5 halpos4, Apr 26, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  6. socratesthecabdriver

    socratesthecabdriver Member

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    you are lucky you got a good dealer shop!
     
    #6 socratesthecabdriver, Apr 29, 2010
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