Alignment Discussions Gen2 2007 / Rough DIY Align

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by NortTexSalv04Prius, May 11, 2019.

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  1. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    To start
    I want to come close to understand the method / process for a good 4 wheel alignment before taking to a local shop that has proper equipment. The price range $140 to $45 for independent shops and Toyota dealership somewhere in between on cost. Additionally have had bad experience on past visits to independents and dealerships. One business had equipment and then upon my inquiry on alignment specs ,,,reverted to break out the white string method/process for toe portion of alignment job.

    Haynes manual for Gen2 has generic three paragraphs about Camber...Caster .. and Toe in. Obviously multitude of other threads, YouTube, etc. none specific for whole method/process.

    I do have a slight left degree pull on Gen 07 currently and will go from the starting point of the following
    First make sure are wheels/tires are balanced. Next my understanding is that most dealership service for Toyota is based off the rear wheels alignment likely being unchanged and within spec (unsure what that maybe) and then using that for front end comparison of Toe In check.

    I do want slight negative Toe in for proper tracking. The camber adjustment front is limited to camber bolts and or strut adjustment. Non OEM struts creates it own set of issues on front camber . Rear wheel has shims for adjustment.

    Really want to get as close to OEM spec as can be
     
    #1 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 11, 2019
  2. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    balance is irrelevant for alignment. all tires need to be properly inflated, and not worn unevenly. the dealer apparently will refuse to shim the rear axle if its out of spec, so you may want to find a good independent shop. however most independent shops have a "set the toe and let it go" philosophy, so you want to insist on a before and after printout which shows the specs to verify they did get your car set up correctly, assuming its not somehow damaged beyond where it can be aligned.
     
    #2 69shovlhed, May 11, 2019
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  3. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    Agree that wheel balance is not part of Align process.....just one thing I do not need to have concern/issues with in this journey...

    What I do need is spec. I have some limited understand of camber and the shims used on rear axle. I do have concerns about Toe in...quality struts by brand (too much unbranded low quality aftermarket crap) which obviously has been applied to 07 Gen2 currently. I am thinking OEM,KYB, etc... Also considering whole front suspension kit which may come with complete struts, control arms, tie rods,etc
    may also use rockauto
     
    #3 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 11, 2019
    Last edited: May 11, 2019
  4. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    The alignment shops/computer has the manufacture specs on all the angles. The alignment printout should list what your car is currently reading and the MIN/MAX values for each of the various measurements.

    KYB is supposedly the OEM for Toyota sturts/shocks, for the Prius.
    Not familiar w/ Detroit Axle. Unfortunately no Bilstein struts/shocks for the Prius.

    When I replaced mine, I went w/ KYB. Ironically, the rear shock would have been cheaper to get from Toyota. But, I went w/ KYB for the lifetime warranty. At that time, Toyota offered lifetime warranty on shocks/struts, only when installed by Toyota at arm/leg labor rates. Toyota no longer offers lifetime warranty on strut/shock, even when installed by Toyota.

    Post #13 has the list of parts and cost, when I replaced mine in 2014.
    Additional Front/Rear Strut Replacement Parts Needed Too? | PriusChat

    I would avoid the "quick" strut/shock assemblies, that's just me. Questionable quality of parts used. Shops like them b/c saves time. Ultra frugal DIY people like them b/c super cheap.
     
    #4 exstudent, May 11, 2019
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  5. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    What should one look visually look for to check if a Control Arm is worn out. ..
     
    #5 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 11, 2019
  6. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    With vehicle jacked up and properly supported. Grab wheel and pull straight towards you, as if you were taking wheel off. IE, hands at 3 & 9 o'clock position on tire, pull with both hands towards you. Do NOT jiggle; do NOT alternate force at 3 & 9 o'clock position. PULL straight towards you with equal force at 3 & 9 o'clock position. If the bushings are BADLY WORN, you will feel play. A pry bar is also useful to visually check for wear/cracks, and to see if you can force excessive play.

    1:09-1:12, shows a scary picture of the rubber bushing, horribly worn out. Granted this is for a Matrix 2003-2008, but you get the idea.
    The video does a good job of showing extreme excessive motion due to the worn bushing.


    This post shows a picture of a worn Gen2 Prius bushing, requiring replacement of the lower control arm. Embeded Youtube video of Scotty Kilmer showing him working on a Lexus; but you get the idea.
    Dealer says need lower control arms $1040 | PriusChat

    Lower Control Arm diagram and part #s from Toyota. Toyota does NOT sell the bushings separately b/c difficult to remove and replace.

    Scotty Video showing why this quick strut assembly is bad.
     
    #6 exstudent, May 11, 2019
    Last edited: May 11, 2019
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  7. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    Update
    I have a 2008 Gen2 that is total whack on front and back alignment. So will be changing out front struts for sure. I have looked at couple other threads on front sway bar replacements with Corolla(thanks shovelhead), Matrix/Vibe and other third party mfg. More curious about rear stabilizer link and possible donor,,,, Wanted to cry when at alignment shop on rack.(just means will have to go back now)

    Not sure on strut assembly/sway bar bushing.

    Do like the new Moog sway bar link design
     
    #7 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 18, 2019
  8. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    Have watch Scotty Kilmer aka Shouty
     
    #8 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 18, 2019
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Worthwhile to do both sides? Not sure. I just can't see the the other side being much better.

    Scotty waxes philisophical:

    "And it doesn't matter where junk is put together; it's still going to be junk..."
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, May 18, 2019
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  10. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    Shouty has good points....USA has been polluted with aftermarket / remanufactured /Chinese aka Chin English crap/Junk for far too long. The cheaper is a sad motivating myth that few want to admit to purchasing a knockoff part that only made the issue worse.
     
    #10 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 18, 2019
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    It's funny, about the stock springs actually being thinner, compared to the replacement quick strut. The point being that it costs, to take the time and effort to dial it in right on spec.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, May 18, 2019
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  12. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    #12 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 18, 2019
    Last edited: May 18, 2019
  13. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    I a
     
    #13 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 18, 2019
    Last edited: May 19, 2019
  14. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    Ordered front and rear Monroe quick struts. Installed rear yesterday. Some great video out there. Awaiting one front, different wearhouse. Will change our front, get 2 need tires and alignment. Didn't get kyb because I'm lazy and didn't want to change over the springs myself and kyb only had front quick strut. Also didn't want to mix/match different manufacturers (kyb/Monroe).
     
    #14 bobodaclown, May 19, 2019
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  15. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    FYI
    Replaced front suspension and purchased the new Moog K80230 Stabilizer Bar Link which has better design than many alternate replacement.

    These can also be purchased at ROCKAUTO

    The before and after comparison made the purchase a no brainer. The $27 x 2 ..$54 dollars eliminate my drive rattle/chatter/clanking/etc
    disappear. I watch the a South Main Auto Repair YouTube in which a Moog was used
     
    #15 NortTexSalv04Prius, May 25, 2019
  16. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    Installed fronts. Much better feeling looking forward to alignment and 4 new tires. Went pretty easy. Thanks to the write ups and videos.

    SM-T700 ?
     
    #16 bobodaclown, May 25, 2019
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  17. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    FYI/Update
    The Moog 80230 stabilizer link
    Pros
    Slightly wider link/bar diameter than OEM & other replacements
    19mm all you need ...not like the Allen key design which is a PIA
    Made in Mexico /Moog Federal Mogal
    Cons
    Slightly over priced at $27 in a price range for other stabilizer links that go from $10 per each to $33 ..,,but for sure the quality choice and ride improved over stock OEM
    Grease fittings may or may not be installed and may or may not be on side and may or may not be bottom of
    bowl
     
    #17 NortTexSalv04Prius, Jun 2, 2019
  18. NortTexSalv04Prius

    NortTexSalv04Prius Active Member

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    thanks everyone
     
    #18 NortTexSalv04Prius, Jun 7, 2019
  19. johnjohnchu

    johnjohnchu Active Member

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    Got a life time alignment from Fire Stone for around $150 when my Prius 2006 was purchased new. Went to get free alignment whenever I hit a pot hole on the road. I have been to the shop countless times. The shop typically would also do a free routine inspection and recommend any needed repair/replacement service. I typically would perform the recommended services myself.
     
    #19 johnjohnchu, Jun 9, 2019
  20. george a Mitchell

    george a Mitchell New Member

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    You can't do this yourself . A Little knowledge is dangerous ! Find a good "private shop" that does alignments, better if is all they do ! Pay them and stick with them . I did alignments for over 25 years ,that's my recommendation .george
     
    #20 george a Mitchell, Aug 21, 2019
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