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Strut and Shock replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by DGH, Oct 2, 2011.

  1. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    120K, time for new ones. Any opinions on Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks and struts? Dealer wants $1800.00 for Toyota parts, independent shop wants $1100.00 for Monroe.

    Thanks...Dan.
     
    #1 DGH, Oct 2, 2011
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I spent about $370 on KYB replacement struts and they work fine. There is no way in hell I would spend over $1000 on struts for a Prius. For that price you could have new struts, springs, and go out to dinner at a couple fancy restaurants. lol
     
    #2 F8L, Oct 2, 2011
  3. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    So how about this, my shocks and struts need to be replaced.
    Where do I take my vehicle for these items?
    Toyota, Monroe, KYB, or other parts.
    If $1800.00 dealer, $1100.00 independent is too much, what are my other options? Remember this is not DIY.

    Thanks for your reply, but a bit of elucidation would help.


    Dan.
     
    #3 DGH, Oct 2, 2011
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I don't know the shop labor rates in your area but around here the labor would run about $300 tops. The struts can be purchased from Rockauto.com or Tirerack.com for approx $400. Find a reputable suspension shop and get a bid. Check other shops for bids and figure out who you trust.
     
    #4 F8L, Oct 2, 2011
  5. bsd43

    bsd43 Member

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    I got mine here, along with some strut mounts: Products for Toyota Prius 2006

    Installation at Luscious Garage in San Francisco was $90 per shock/strut. I only did my fronts -- the rears are still fine.
     
    #5 bsd43, Oct 5, 2011
  6. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    OEM's (original equipment manufacturer) are KYB and after market choices are KYB and Monroe, I went with KYB and the replacement shocks even though made by the same company as the OEM shocks are a bit more heavy duty to the eye, I don't know the gas pressure figures.
    Didn't want Monroe shocks.
    If you're going with new shocks change the springs also,200$ for Eibach springs is an excellent deal, they improve everything about the ride.
    The shocks are inside the springs, the unit is called a McPherson strut and the springs have to be removed to get at the shocks, so since they are already out, replace them.
    When you deal with the tire wrack just have them point you to an installer in your area, you need an alignment also.
    If the installer doesn't align have the dealer align shortly after installation.
     
    #6 ursle, Oct 5, 2011
  7. motnamser

    motnamser New Member

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    Did you notice much ride difference with the new shocks?
     
    #7 motnamser, Oct 11, 2011
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