Replaced sway bar links, much better but I think I need to look for more worn parts...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jeffrimerman, Apr 21, 2021.

  1. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    I saw that both the sway bar links the rubber was torn open so I changed those and it drives more normal again. The front end still sounds 'loose' and clunky so I'm sure I need to change something else. Outer tie rod ends look fine but maybe the inner tie rods? Anyone else replace front suspension stuff and what was it?
     
    #1 Jeffrimerman, Apr 21, 2021
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  2. Mdv55

    Mdv55 Active Member

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    Sway bar mount bushings would be next on my list.

    If you jack the front end of the car up, grab each wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and push/pull on opposite sides you should feel the tie rod ends popping back and forth if they are shot. If you feel that, you need someone to grab the tie rods while you shake the wheel to see which one is bad (inner or outer). Outside of pothole damage, I doubt they're worn already though.
     
    #2 Mdv55, Apr 21, 2021
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  3. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    Thank you. Can I jack one side at a time and do it so that way I'm checking each tie rod end? I was reading more and it sounds like if inner or outer tie rods are done then my steering would feel funky but it feels nice and tight again now but I should still check to cross off the list. I wonder if lower ball joint would give a clunk sound but would still drive ok. That one seems like the most robust joint so maybe not that.
     
    #3 Jeffrimerman, Apr 21, 2021
  4. Mdv55

    Mdv55 Active Member

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    If the left side tie rods are bad you'll feel it when you move the left wheel and won't if you shake the right and vice versa.

    I'd suspect ball joints before control arm bushings in normal wear to be honest. To check those have the car jacked up and place a lever arm, like the jack handle, under the tire at 6 o'clock and pry upwards. The joint will wiggle and pop if if it's bad.

    My money is still on sway bar bushings if no outside factors are present (like hitting something).
     
    #4 Mdv55, Apr 21, 2021
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  5. Jeffrimerman

    Jeffrimerman Member

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    I just posted on the other thread that I jacked up left first then right and checked the wheels. The right didn't budge and made no clunk but the left very little but I could feel it. I pried upward also to see if the ball joint but neither side clunked so seems like the left tie rod end possibly. Maybe I'd need to jack up and put my hand on it with someone or myself trying to move the wheel and see if I feel the tie rod pop a little.
     
    #5 Jeffrimerman, Apr 25, 2021
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