Rough Suspesnsion - Do I change it?

If you perceive deterioration in the ride, then it is reasonable to replace the front struts and rear shocks. However this will be pretty costly, perhaps $800 or so, if done at your friendly Toyota dealer. Substantial labor content is required to remove and replace the four struts/shocks.

 

Sometimes, when a suspension gets worn out, the ride becomes soft and floaty. Other times, especially if the bushings have stuck or deteriorated, the ride quality can become harsh

My Prius is starting to become a bit floaty. It's probably time for me to have the struts replaced. Yes, expect at least an $800 hit

 

how are your tires?

 

the rear shocks should be a DIY kind of job.. if they are blown, they should colapse when you unbolt them. if it's anything like my lincoln was, you bolt in the bottom and cut the band so the top expands into the top shock mount.. then bolt the top shock.

the fronts take more work because there are springs around the struts.

 

Both front struts and rear shocks require compression and removal of the coil springs. Rear is probably harder because you have to remove the hatch trim to access. It is certainly feasible to DIY but requires considerable time.

IIRC, the cost of Toyota-branded front struts is around $100 each while the rear shocks are around $120 for the pair (plus shipping) if you buy from one of the Toyota dealers that offer discounted prices for Internet orders.

 

Removing strut/spring assemblies is not too difficult. If you get new struts with springs already installed, which I doubt, replacment is a piece of cake. However if you have to remove your old springs from the struts it's not really a DIY job. Do yourself a favor and have a professional do the spring work.

Rod

 

If you are going fix your suspension spend the money to do it right. You'll need:
Front Struts
Upper Strut Bearings (Front)
Control Arm Bushings (Front)
Rear Shocks

While the suspension shop is doing the work have them check the tie-rods as well. They will be coming off anyway so you should replace them if needed.

You will also need an alignment after your front struts are done.

DO NOT have this done at the dealership! This is basic work that any qualified mechanic and most DIY home mechanics can easily do. You will save 30% to 50% by having a independent shop do it.

My full suspension refurbish cost $868 with upgraded Bilstein shocks and struts. (That was for my VW at the local VW specialist shop.)

 

Tires!!!