suspension/struts/coils/shocks replacement

Just starting to replace mine, following a couple youtube vids. I ordered the ACDelco on clearout from RockAuto. Since I removed the windshield cowling also replacing spark plugs.

2008 TOYOTA PRIUS 1.5L L4 ELECTRIC/GAS Strut / Coil Spring / Mount Assembly | RockAuto

 

Suggestion was to scribe the knuckle where it attaches to the bottom of the strut. Pic attached, not the greatest freehand. I'll probably just get an alignment since I am replacing the pads, rotors, hub and wheel bearings as well.

Also have the printout from my Alldata DVD, only difference is the manual documents disassembling the strut and coil spring, not necessary if you buy the complete strut and coil spring.

 

Scribe with a sharp nail set, fine paint marker or just wire brush the area and spray some paint. Preferably so its still visible when you install the new strut.

 

Might be easier with the wheel off. Shock/knuckle definitely not moving either way.

Don't think so. Not sure, I only watched till he removed the cowling. Note last 2 pages of the attached manual.

 

Alldata service dvd which they get from Toyota, also have a snip of actual Toyota service manual. Easier for me to search the dvd. Why are you getting torque values from toyota-specs.com or even you-tube back yard mechanics, has no affiliation with Toyota.

 

HI. I have replaced all 4 on my car and I am going to do my wifes car in a few weeks. I did all the work myself. The rears are easier that the fronts. If you have removed and cleaned the hybrid battery fan in the back then that is half the rear job. To gain access to the bolts on top of the rear shock mounts. I would go with KYB Strut plus. They are OEM and all in one. KYB SR 4223, KYB SR 4224, KYB SR 4513, KYB SR 4514. Are the part numbers. I also replace the front sway Bars link at the same time. I don't think you can align the rear on a Gen 2 prius. a front end alignment is recommended after replacing the front struts. If you have the right tools it is straight forward. The Rears are a lot easier than the fronts.

 

Well you can mark the lower swing arm where the bolts go through the front struts with a grease pencil to make sure that you tighten the new bolts in the same position as the old ones. Compare and measure all the lengths of your old parts and compare them to to new ones. Measure 5 times and write it down. Take lots of pictures. Go slow. plan on a full day for the fronts. I took my time and cleaned and regreased and re torqued my connections and drank coffee and listen to music and it took 4 hours. Just an FYI. You dont technically need an alignment it is just a good idea to prevent tire wear. Obviously if you get weird tramlining or tracking issues I would take it in for a front end alignment straight away. Ive seen 4 x 4 guys use tape measures and long aluminum L stock to make marks to transfer to their new truck. Check out YOOOOOuu Tube. I'm sure there is a video or 20 that show home garage alignments.

 

Mark it with the wheel off while everything is still tight. I cleaned my old strut really well and dried it then used a white China marker to make my marks. Be sure to clean an re lube all the bolts when you put it back together.

 

Since your not touching anything mechanical I don't think you need to. For extra Safe ty you can disconnect the 12Volt. Never a bad idea. I use A trip for gas mileage info and B trip for tire rotation. so I just take a picture of the mileage and adjust my window stickers after I reconnect.