Need advice on strut brands

KYB is the OEM manufacturer so that’s generally the best option.

In rear shocks (sometimes called struts) on rear should be enough if the springs are not broken or in bad condition. But it’s pretty common for a Gen 2 Prius to break rear springs.

In front you probably need new strut boots as they do normally brake before struts themselves. Top mount or strut bearing is good to replace as well as it can go bad.

Sway bar does not go bad when old. So only swap it to something stronger if you want better handling (with slightly worse ride quality). Front sway bar end links or mounts don’t really need replacing unless their clunky.

 

I'd definitely replace the sway bar links. They are cheap and easy to do. I've done it on different prii and its made a surprising difference!! The car felt so much for lively, and fun! Like it did when it was new. Honestly it's one of the best "upgrades" for am elder prius. Also one of the most over looked things to do on an elder prii.

 

KYBs are the choice. I put on new struts about the same mileage point on my '05 and it rides like a champ!

The car has 283K on it now and it is smooth sailing!

 

2 Spring Insulators

2 Spring Mounts

Front right strut

Front left strut

 

On my case I bought one of those set pieces where it comes together with spring/strut and all that.

For 125 on eBay

So far no complaints, for clunking I spray brake cleaner and get crud off the car and made some difference.

But a tower strut bar made a big difference in handling and going in corners. It's indeed a bit fun to drive now lol

 

If your battery is doing good now is the time to rejuvenate it. It’s usually too late once it’s thrown bad module codes. Prolong hybrid Battery charger/discharger. At that miles won’t be long.

As far as struts make sure you get the top bearing and all the covers. Your top bearing at your mileage is shot.

 

My Prius has 205k and shocks are done. So I bought all 4 on internet from A1 parts for 275$. What a mistake. They had a support bracket that had to be removed and was welded on. After all replaced car drove like it was a balloon. Horrible handling. So I bought KYB fronts from ORielly Auto parts and now they have a popping sound while turning backwards or frontwards at low speeds. The cheap back struts allow car to over steer swaying a bit. Higher speed it's Scarry. Does anyone make a good replacement other than Toyotas high price ones?

 

Popping while turning at low speed could be a sign that one of the front strut mounts is bad. The mount has a bearing that allows the strut assembly to rotate for steering inputs. If the strut can't rotate, the spring binds up until it slips against the mount, producing a "thunk."

 

Kyb's my vote. Replace that original sway bar in the back with a used Corolla or matrix.
Did you replace that top shock mounts in the front?

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Hello all,

I've been reading on this forum for several months. It's a great site and I've learned much from a lot of you. About 6 months ago, I purchased a 2009 Toyota Prius Non-touring (Level 6). It currently has 145,000 miles on the clock. Since that time, I have really fallen for this fantastic car. 43 miles per gallon (measured at the pump) is soooooo nice. Maybe some new plugs can bring that up a tiny touch. ??

All the Prius' seem to be excellent cars, but my heart is sold on the Gen 2's. Such a great price point and so reliable. Planning on a lot of upgrades and really would appreciate any input you more experienced owners have for a newbie.

One thing I have done so far was to add the Extend-A-Seat brackets on the driver's seat. It was very pricy but so glad I purchased it. I'm 6'2" and the extra 5 inches or so was just right for me.

In keeping with the original poster, I do have some suspension upgrades that will be made in the near future. And again, any pointers would be very helpful.

Will be upgrading the suspension on all four corners and adding TRD rear bar, rear under-bumper brace, mid-body brace, 24mm front bar, and a shock tower bar. Once all that's done, I will get some decent wheels and nice tires.

Justdidit - I've been reading a lot of your previous posts and have really learned a lot. Have a thousand questions for you. I'm leaning towards some Bilstein B6 Shocks for a Corola. But I will be lifting my Prius with some 40mm blocks to get an extra inch of ground clearance. In your opinion, would the Bilstein's still work well with this planned lift?

69shovlhed - You always have excellent input. You sound like someone who has a long mechanical background. In a post several years ago (when you were getting ready to add a front bar I think), you recommended grabbing the knuckles out of the donor car when a 24mm front bar is found. Is that still an option to consider? I've read somewhere on here that one is steel and one is aluminum and they may not mate up just right. So many posts and so much to learn. If the knuckles would be an easy fitment, would it beef up the front end along with those new bars and shocks?

AudioDave - I've really enjoyed your posts as well. Why did you decide on KYB's? I know they are the original OEM brand that was used. And I think they are good quality also. Did you consider the Bilstein options? The Bilsteins are a little thicker than the OEM shocks and I want it a little beefier. Are the KYB's a little thicker as well?

Thanks in advance for the input and I'm glad to be here.

 

I tried some junk pre assembled ones that sucked. After that I went with the kyb's because I thought those were original and popular. They work as intended but I would like a little more firmness. But not spending again. Lol
The backs I may work on again since they are the junk pre assembled.

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