My 2004 Prius drives like a soapbox derby car

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014.

  1. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    LOL. Every road bump just reverberates into the cabin like loud bangs even with windows closed. I got this Prius at 149k miles and looking at the service history I don't think the struts have ever been replaced. So I am looking at having them done soon. Do you guys have any recommendations on what kit to get? I want to do all 4.

    I am looking at the Monroe OEspectrum struts along with their mount kit. The KYBs are I think the stock but they are priced at a higher point. I've seen some cheaper ones on ebay too but I am not sure if anyone has used those. Also should I include having the springs replaced?

    Thanks for the advise.
     
    #1 thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014
  2. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    I'd imagine relaxing the 4 shocks with an ok brand like Monroe or KYB will make a high difference either way. I priced a set of H&R springs recently for my GenII and the price is not much different from OE springs. I think that I might get them next year as they lower 20-30 mm and are a v good quality item

    I probably wouldn't bother with the springs if they are not broken
     
    #2 Tony D, Nov 3, 2014
  3. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    Thanks Tony! Are you also considering swapping out the stabilizer links?
     
    #3 thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The shocks and struts are actually less expensive if you buy the OEM parts from Toyota. Aftermarket stuff is not cheaper and is usually inferior.

    You can get them online at Camelback Toyota online parts department.
     
    #4 JC91006, Nov 3, 2014
  5. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    Interesting. Let me check those out. Have you gotten a quote yet on how much the labor will be for changing them all out?
     
    #5 thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The dealer charges about $1000 to do all 4. If you are in SoCal, I know someone that can do this for about $200 labor.
     
    #6 JC91006, Nov 3, 2014
  7. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    Hi! Yes I am in SOCAL LA Area. Can you give me info on the shop you use? Thanks!
     
    #7 thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014
  8. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This guy Tommy does the work, he specializes in Lexus audio and suspension work. Ask him for his price on what you need done. Don't go by my quoted prices as they may have changed since when I did mine.

    Music Box - South El Monte, CA | Yelp
     
    #8 JC91006, Nov 3, 2014
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  9. Tony D

    Tony D Active Member

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    I'll check them out when I have the car up on the ramps and decide then.

    I'll be fitting my winter wheels and tyres shortly so will check them out then

    JC9 is right re OE, sometimes they can be similar prices, so worth doing a price check. If the OE ones lasted 150k, you'd be happy enough if they lasted another 150k
     
    #9 Tony D, Nov 3, 2014
  10. thegoldenhand

    thegoldenhand Junior Member

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    Another question, do you think it's worth adding the Tanabe strut tower bar once I do the struts?
     
    #10 thegoldenhand, Nov 3, 2014
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