Dealer claims rear shocks leaking oil - pictures - real or fake news?

Are you noticing any ride issues?

While they may be on their way out, I would shop around as the rear shocks can be done anywhere .

I just did ours and got a set of KYBs for the rear for under $80.

About an two hours to install as you have to disassemble the back of the car to access the top nut.

But an easy diy job if you have tools .

 

Unless the component will affect anything else when it fails, I don’t see the point in preemptively replacing it. That should be easy enough to do yourself with a few hours I would think.

 

Replace, but not at the Dealership. If you can't do it yourself, most shops will do it for way less.

 

I would check suspension warranty before replacing it. I remember one time there was a situation the customer saying the shocks were seeping like yours and the dealership replaced it under warranty.

 

2012 prius three, 91xxx miles...

It would be nice, but shocks are a wear item.

 

looks fine to me

 

I can't tell from the photo that it's leaking.
You replace something that is worn, BEFORE it brakes, so it doesn't cause damage to something else.
Think what could happen if a rear shock broke, you could have a wreck, it could jam into the ground, wheel,
damage the mounting.....
You replace your oil(SHOULD) before it brakes down completely and it's like no oil at all. Then you have metal on metal
and it won't last long.

 

BTW, every time you use the phrase “fake news”, a baby seal dies.

 

How much is the price of rice in china?

 

The left shock is definitely leaking oil, and that's a sign its already ojnits way South! If you don't experience any suspension related noises when you drive, then drive it till it dies(according to you). If you got the cash, replace both. The right one also has some kind of oil stains, but not at the level of the left.

Buy KYB, of any other one you choose. Since they are the rears, not too difficult like the front with the coil springs.

 

I think you'll find a ride difference after you replace them.

 

When I bought the KYB’s they came with new mounting hardware for the top as they are single time use .

All I needed to reuse were the boot and lower bolt and nut.

$134 seems reasonable.

Good luck and keep us posted .

 

They don't look that bad yet. Replace them when the weather is nice and you have some easy time to work on it. Not urgent at all.

Look at your old strut mounts. Chances are they're fine. You don't usually see them rip or rot until much older.

 

I see zero problems with these struts.
The stealership loves to do ‘preventative maintenance’ for no reason.
Until you see and/or feel a problem with ride, leave it be

 

Me too.
Typical repair scam.......at a WAY inflated price.

Maybe you should look for a different dealer for your service.

 

Those are shocks, and simple to replace, at that age, check the KYB’s prices and grab a set, the fronts are probably struts, (inside a spring) so a dealer would do them and then an alignment, safer, better ride, etc.

 

Yeah, just nuts and bolts and a set of interior tools ($10 at Harbor Fright). Here's a link to the directions, with pics: Rear Shock Replacement - Tips and Notes | PriusChat

 

I too, see no evidence of leakage, with one exception. Watch for greenbacks leaking out of your wallet. Ask that b@stard to put the car on a lift and show you the leakage, notifying them in advance of the photos you have in hand. They will tell you that customers aren't allowed in the work areas due to "liability" reasons. The largest liability being your ability to show them to be liars. Find another service provider and Yelp those dudes with the truth.