struts and shocks needed on 2012 V

If they are not broke don't fix them. Were they leaking?

 

I bought a Monroe Quick strut for a '12 Scion tC for our v, then never used it. (I got the idea because KYB lists the same complete strut for both). I also bought the parts that were listed that are different between the two applications on the Monroe website. It looked like the top mount doesn't even fit the shaft as my thought was to replace the different ones with the "correct" ones.

The strut is stamped "Made in Japan" if you value that. Not 100% sure it will fit as I never tried it....

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

I have been wondering about strut replacement. When my vanity tag was "Hondent" back in the 90's, I used to replace the struts every 80k miles, even though they never were leaking. Those "Hondents" had much improved handling after a new set of struts, and I felt it was $600 well spent. My 2013 Prius v has 104k on it, and the handling is OK, but the 2017 is a noticeably nicer ride with only 44k on it.

I got married in 99, and wound up with a Dodge Neon and buying a Chrysler Voyager (Now refereed to as the "Jesus Chrysler"). I had a saved search on eBay to get a good price for compatible Complete Struts, and installed them myself on both vehicles. Not hard work when I borrowed my neighbors electric impact wrench. I then I would pay Sears for an alignment.

I have hardly heard anyone mention strut replacement on PC, which has me wondering. If you have 240k on your Prius V, are you about to install the 4th set of struts? The Prius is a tough vehicle to get access to the strut towers. How long should struts last on a Prius v?.

 

I replaced my front struts and rear shocks recently with KYB at 128k miles. They were probably still okay, but I wanted the front strut rubber boots replaced b/c they were torn. I am also riding on lowering springs, so that might wear out sooner. I changed the rears myself b/c it was easy, but had a shop do the fronts b/c there was more work.

 

Awesome job sharing @Surfer Dan how it's done if you are so inclined:

2013 Prius v *lowercase v for the Prius v wagon........* Front Strut Replacement - Video | PriusChat

Post #5 for the rear....

REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

My guess is that torn up boots would allow grit to get into the seals more easily, which would cause a failure sooner. If you buy what they call a "Complete strut" for a replacement, it isn't that hard to do. A "Complete Strut" comes with a new spring already installed, which eliminates the need to deal with compressing the old springs which can be dangerous. Plus you get strut cartridges that are tuned to brand new springs, rather than your old weakened springs.

I think the hardest part is getting access to the tower bolts on top, which IIRC requires removal of the windshield wiper cowl. Usually it takes a lot of force to get the bolts that attach to the lower suspension off, but I have used my neighbor's Impact wrench. You need a full size torque wrench as well to put those bolts back on. You will need an alignment afterwards.

 

Over the decades, I've never replaced a shock or strut, well not due to wear. We did have front strut replaced on a Civic, but that was due to accident.

Full disclosure though: I slow to snail pace over speed bumps.

 

I wish it were as easy around here, where you can peek in your rearview at someone TOO CLOSE or ANGRY.


REVVL V+ 5G ?

 

It's not that easy here either. Another common trick of the lead-foots, to avoid speed bumps, is to drive over on wrong side, or through parking stalls. Keeps you on your toes.

 

I however am an Uber driver in Philadelphia. I have to deal with a lot of speed bumps, but at least those are predictable, and they have signs warning you that they are coming. They also hit both front wheels at the same time.

My bigger problem is potholes plus the unintended speed bumps that are caused by buses that stop on hot asphalt in the summer. These bumps are irregular, and they repeat as if they creating a "washboard".

 

If there's anything I hate more than regular, square-on speed bumps, it's diagonal ones; they turn you into a bobble head. I think we've got to talk some serious turkey with the "powers that be", about speed bumps, road salt, and... I'll think of more, when I catch my breath...

 

I thought you mentioned that mechanic said strut was leaking? In my view, just because the rubber is deteriorated, I don't think that's definite reason for replacement. I had a corolla with boots deteriorated, when I had120,000 miles. I drove car until it had 275,000 with same struts. If its not leaking and it passes the bounce test, and tires don't seem to be wearing unevenly, I would not change them!

 

I hope it's ok to resurrect this thread?

I have a 2014 V and would like to replace the strut/shocks - 175K miles, never changed and I'm feeling every single bump although the steering/braking seems fine.
KYB seem to be either very expensive $214 at autozone or out of stock. Good alternatives? Munroe?
thanks for your help.

 

A Prius never was the smoothest riding vehicle and has almost no sound deadening. Generally the v rides better than the hatchback especially on the highway thanks to bigger standard tires and a v exclusive highway pitch and bounce control feature.

How long have you had this car? Is it clunking on speed bumps or other slow speed bumps? Are the struts leaking? Is one corner of the car sagging?

Struts are two pieces, a heavy duty shock absorber that really does not go bad unless it is leaking and a spring that could sag if old and worn. I have 265,000 on my v and it does not need struts. If I did need them I would buy oem or a top dollar aftermarket.

One thing we know is Toyota factory parts are usually the best. Most aftermarket low to mid cost replacements are often 1/10th the quality and life.

 

Rockauto shows KYB for Prius v for $74.00 each

 

2012 prius v with under 80k miles

So is there anything I can do to improve the ride? especially speed bumps and potholes. it would be nice not t feel them so much

 

The best thing is good tires inflated no higher than the door sticker. Struts won’t help unless they have leaked out their fluid.

My 2012 v3 has original struts at 310k miles. I like Michelin for ride and tire life of 90k-100k miles. 16” wheels are better than 17” for ride.