I need to replace the front struts on my 2004 Prius (195,000 miles). Any suggestions on which hardware to best replace them with? Also, I have noticed when parking, the car tends to slightly sway forward and back with a squeaking sound after it comes to a stop. Doesn't happen when I brake, but rather when I let off the bake after parking. I assume (yup, know what that means) this is somehow due to the worn struts. Anyone else had this problem?
The other forum I frequent is saying that the KYB replacement struts fail early due to poor quality and instead recommended Monroe sensatrac. MB860 ?
Truthfully, I went with Toyota OEM at a dealer. 195k miles is a LONG time if you're on original struts. Mine were "done" at 110k. ABSORBER ASSY, SHOCK (FL) 4851049505 1 ABSORBER ASSY, SHOCK (FR) 4852049585 1 ABSORBER ASSY, SHOCK (Rear) 4853049385 2 If I'm not mistaken, KYB OE's the Toyota struts. At a particular Toyota parts website, the fronts are $96.71 each, the rears $61.35 each. This didn't include replacing dust covers (which should have been done), and will require a 4 wheel alignment as part of the installation.
Yeah, 195K miles is a bit long but up until now they seemed just fine. Any idea on what the squeak could be?
My original struts started leaking at 150,000 miles, and I replaced them with Monroe sensa-tracs. Used Monroes mostly because a mechanic I know said Monroes were better than KYBs. I really do not notice any difference, and now have 50,000 miles on the new struts. Another 100,000 miles and I will see if these new ones are leaking!
IS there a difference between KYB GR-2/ Excel-G and the OEM versions I can order from Champion Toyota? Besides the OEM versions higher cost?