Is it just me, or is the suspension on my Prius II relaxing and breaking in? I used to run 38/36 and could barely tolerate the harsh ride over our awful roads, but with 5K on the odometer and running 46/44 things are currently feeling remarkably composed. In my head, or has a few thousand miles of travel on the springs/shocks loosened things up?
Could you have a bad strut? I don't think there's anything to loosen up. Does the car feel like it sways/rocks up and down or side-to-side?
Tire pressures have a big impact on the ride characteristics. If you reduce the pressures back to 38/36, does the harsh ride return ?
... How would the ride get harsher with less tire pressure. I'm thinking the OP got used to the car/ some parts may break in some and provide a better ride.
I don't think the suspension gets softer with use, but perhaps you have found the most comfortable seat position for your ride and have become more accustomed and tolereant of the unique characteristics of your Prius. On the other hand, it could be that your lower fuel bill has added more padding to your wallet, shielding you from some of life's bumps in the road. Regardless of the reason, it's nice to know that your Prius ride has gotten better with use.
I think that the Prius suspension does require some break in period. AFTER ABOUT 5000 MILES, THE RIDE DID BECOME SMOOTHER AND MORE COMFORTABLE.
Thanks for the replies guys. I just had a 5k service, everything checked out suspension-wise. I'm pretty sensitive to ride characteristics -- I was stunned when the Prius, new, felt harsher at stock psi's on tiny 15" rims than the 20yr old car it replaced, which had a double wishbone suspension setup on deeper rims. The solid beam setup doesn't help this car, but then I forget that this is a vehicle that has had a lot of amenities and small touches zapped in order to meet pricing criteria. Did some searching on the forums, and found that others had reported similar changes in ride quality. For now I'm chalking this up to suspension break-in!
Based on the ride your avatar, I'm going to guess that you aren't the right person to evaluate whether or not the Prius ride is smooth enough for people with delicate derrieres.
I've heard it said that if you could instantly transport from your brand new car, say to 5 years later, you would notice a suspension difference. Typically happens very gradually, so you get used to it, don't notice.
