Front Strut Replacement

makes the job easier with cowel off and might as well do the plugs

 

I remember when I put on my strut bar I had to remove the cowl in order to get to the bolts at the top of the strut tower. So If your car needs new spark plugs, might as well go ahead and have them changed out while at it.

 

Our 2010 Prius has more than 83,000 miles on it, and when I hit a pothole recently, I literally heard a boing from the right-front strut, and the car seemed to bounce up and down a couple of times. So, it seems I should replace the front struts, but what about the shock absorbers in the rear? Can I leave the originals in? We're also going to do all four disc brakes. At the dealer, I am not a do it yourselfer (but I looked at a video and it looks challenging). Dealer in New Jersey doing brakes on each end for $259 each. No price for struts on website. Any info on that price?

 

On YouTube:

 

Since you characterize yourself as not DIY, the front struts are not the place to start as the difficulty is moderate and requires access to the proper tools. I would replace the rear shocks as well.

You asked about parts pricing. Here is one example of a Toyota dealer parts website:
Front Suspension for 2010 Toyota Prius | AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway

At minimum, the front struts, the top rubber insulators (which is the pleated cover) and the strut mounts should be replaced for a complete job.

At the rear axle, the rear shocks should be replaced while the other suspension parts probably can be reused unless damaged due to rust, impact with a curb, etc.

 

If you are not DIY inclined but still want to change the struts yourself consider buying a compete assembly with new mount and coil spring. Then its just a matter of removing the old strut and bolting in the new one.

 

I think you have to remove the cowl and windshield wipers to get to the top of the struts. I had the job done at the dealer, replacing struts, bearings and other parts, but didn't change the rear shock absorbers. After the struts, bearings and other parts were replaced, the car also needed a 4-wheel alignment.