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

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Blajoie, Aug 4, 2018.

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  1. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Have you tried those Seal Tacos and Burritos that most dealers give away to customers as they wait for "repairs"? They are delicious, and all you can eat! It seems like there is no end of the meat supply at most dealerships.
     
    #21 William Redoubt, Aug 5, 2018
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  2. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Can you enlighten us to the evidence of leakage? I certainly cannot see any. There is no apparent oil spray on adjacent parts that is obvious to me.
     
    #22 William Redoubt, Aug 5, 2018
  3. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I was told by my shop Forman back in the day that the seepage is normal but due to the vehicle the customer had with the low mileage, they replaced it for the customer since the customer was complaining that it was leaking, so they replaced it for him under warranty.

    I think the seepage is ok until you feel the rough ride due to the suspension, then I would replace it, or if you see obvious oil stain plus dirt gunk on the shocks, then I would definitely replace it. It’s up to the individual if they want to replace it or not. If it was me, I would replace it myself so I know there won’t be any issues in the future.
     
    #23 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 5, 2018
  4. Blajoie

    Blajoie Junior Member

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    Thanks all - this helps a lot. We've defiantly put some hefty loads in this car, and even drove cross country with a full load.. (at around 70k). I think I owe it to old girl to put in ~$120 worth of new shocks. Amazon is cheaper @ $60/each, but will keep shopping around. I thought TR had a $60 rebate making it the cheapest, but it requires buying the fronts as well.

    I suppose the ride could be a lot harsher than normal, but I don't have much of a way to compare.

    And yes, we only take it to the dealership for oil changes for the convenience and ability to have recalls / TSBs done. All other work I will either do myself or find a reputable shop (still need to find one after moving to CA).
     
    #24 Blajoie, Aug 5, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2018
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  5. Blajoie

    Blajoie Junior Member

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    Good stuff thanks. Always checking the wallet for leaky greenbacks :). The $705 was comical. They also wanted $305 for the inverter coolant swap ;). Time to find a local shop.
     
    #25 Blajoie, Aug 5, 2018
  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Where in the great state of California did you move to:whistle:?

    Might be worth updating your profile to match your location ;).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #26 Raytheeagle, Aug 5, 2018
  7. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    I think what you meant was, “I’ll help replace your shocks for free of charge, just bring the alcohol” :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
    #27 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 5, 2018
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If only:rolleyes:.

    Is that the secret handshake into the Dublin complex:whistle:?

    Let me know your adult beverage of choice(y).
     
    #28 Raytheeagle, Aug 5, 2018
  9. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Oil changes are the most critical maintenance items for your car. I wouldn't trust a dealer, even if they are free. I can change the oil and filter in less time than I can drive to the dealer. And when I am done, I know the brand and weight of the oil put in my car, the fact that the filter was changed, the fact that the o-ring and crush washer were replaced, that the filter and drain plug were tightened to specs, the amount of oil used, etc. If you take the car to the dealer you only know that they "said" they did things and did them right.

    I beg you, my friends. Do not allow a STEALSHIP to change your oil. DIY for maximum protection from STDs (Stealerships Taking your Dollars),
     
    #29 William Redoubt, Aug 5, 2018
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  10. Blajoie

    Blajoie Junior Member

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    I am in San Diego now - enjoying the coastal living and lack of snow.

    100% agree, before moving to CA I was doing most of the car maintenance myself. Unfortunantely the bulk of car-repair-related items did not make the drive. Only managed to sneak the hand-tools into the car. Still need to buy a new jack, stands, oil drain pan etc.
    Up until a few months ago, we were living in apartments/condos that were overly strict about any sort of car work happening within the shared garage, so we opted for convenience and took it to a dealership (luckily nothing major has been needed for 2+ years, just oil changes).

    Now we are in a house, so I can slowly accumulate the tools again. Having the dealer price of $705 also helps for buy-in from the wife. $705 dealer vs. $100 parts + $300 new tools for DIY :)

    and p.s. I always have plenty of beer on hand to pay for services rendered. :D
     
    #30 Blajoie, Aug 5, 2018
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  11. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Wow, someone has trust issues.... :)
     
    #31 ASRDogman, Aug 5, 2018
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  12. Blajoie

    Blajoie Junior Member

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    BTW this whole time I thought I would have to disassemble the entire rear of the car to get at those bolts (gen 2)?

    But it looks as I the 2012 (maybe all gen 3), have that little pop-out panel which gives direct access to the shock mount bolt. Super easy now. Should have looked in the vehicle first. Shocks are ordered, will report back once installed, but it looks like a very easy job - thanks all.
     
    #32 Blajoie, Aug 5, 2018
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  13. Spenny

    Spenny Member

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    BTW, if you haven’t seen them already, Nutzaboutbolts has some really good tutorials on YouTube. They are super detailed.
     
    #33 Spenny, Aug 5, 2018
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  14. Blajoie

    Blajoie Junior Member

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    Yeap, Nutzaboutbolt's videos were my introduction to DIY for the prius. They were incredibly helpful.

    I remember watching his video for my first oil change. Then the videos for the brakes, and the transmission fluid flush. It also just so happens that his most popular videos (Honda Accord and Toyota Prius) line up perfectly with my two cars - 2012 Prius (91k) and 2005 accord (147k).

    Many many thanks NutzAboutBolts!

    I think after the rear shocks, I may look into doing the front struts + spark plugs + whatever else would be wise to do at 100K while the front end is half dis-assembled.
     
    #34 Blajoie, Aug 5, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2018
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  15. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Add an egr circuit cleanse to your list;).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
    #35 Raytheeagle, Aug 5, 2018
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  16. Joele3

    Joele3 Active Member

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    I made my own little window on my 2010 to access the top bolts. I put in a 2012 cover to hide my precision cuts. :D
     
    #36 Joele3, Aug 5, 2018
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  17. NutzAboutBolts

    NutzAboutBolts Senior Member

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    Lol, I don’t drink, :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: but thanks though :D
     
    #37 NutzAboutBolts, Aug 5, 2018
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  18. Freddog12345

    Freddog12345 Junior Member

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    Let's keep politics out of this forum please. If you want fake go to cnn. Thanks

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #38 Freddog12345, Aug 7, 2018
  19. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Not funny.
    Maybe you should take your own advice.
     
    #39 sam spade 2, Aug 7, 2018
  20. Freddog12345

    Freddog12345 Junior Member

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    I didn't bring up fake news.
    And no I don't watch cnn.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #40 Freddog12345, Aug 8, 2018
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