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Low Suspension

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by tjwm338, Aug 23, 2014.

  1. tjwm338

    tjwm338 Junior Member

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    Hi all,

    Love the Gen 2. Really benefitting from the low fuel consumption.

    However, I realise that the suspension is really low and suspension really soft. What happens is the the underside of the car always gets knocked against the speed bump on the road whenever there are 2 or 3 passengers sitting in the rear passenger seat.

    Just wanted to get advice on how I should go about this? Should I get new suspensions that are harder? Any recommendations?

    Thanks in advance all!

    Cheers.
     
    #1 tjwm338, Aug 23, 2014
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It could be that the existing front struts and rear shocks are worn out. How many miles on the odometer?
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Aug 23, 2014
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It could be your Springs are worn as well. You should compare it to another prius to make sure your car is actually lower than others. The car is only rated to handle 800lbs of cargo
     
    #3 JC91006, Aug 23, 2014
  4. tjwm338

    tjwm338 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the quick replies.

    Odometer's at 72000 miles.

    Was in LA recently and took a Prius Gen 3 cab. Somehow, its suspension seems higher and firmer ('harder'). My Gen 2 is really soft.

    The cab had no problems over speed bumps.
     
    #4 tjwm338, Aug 23, 2014
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Some US owners have installed the Touring suspension parts, which may be relevant to you if your car is a US non-Touring model. Do a search on this site to find part numbers.

    Otherwise you'll probably notice a reasonable improvement by installing new struts and shocks.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Aug 24, 2014
  6. tjwm338

    tjwm338 Junior Member

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    Thanks Patrick.

    Mine is JDM model. What make/brand and model struts and shocks would be good for the Gen 2?
     
    #6 tjwm338, Aug 24, 2014
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    In the US I am only aware of KYB aftermarket (which is also the original equipment manufacturer for Toyota.)
     
    #7 Patrick Wong, Aug 24, 2014
  8. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    The stiffer shocks off the US touring or the UK Tspirit models will help with firming up the suspension, but will do nothing for the ride height. The shocks only dampen spring movement. It is the springs that carry the car, and hence affect it's ride height.
    I suggest you measure your ride height and then measure other Prius cars to compare. If yours is lower fit new springs. If not an adjustable set up can be bought, but at a price.
    I have noticed that the rear exhaust pipe can be low at the centre rear of the car and catch speed bumps with a load in the car. This can be raised easily by twisting the rear exhaust on it's mount "turns easy" then fitting an extra flexible mounting to stop it twisting back. This may sound difficult but is very easy to do and is very effective.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #8 Britprius, Aug 24, 2014
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2014
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