Replacing Shocks and Struts

If you can't find them, you do what you have to do.
If you don't have the money for the whole unit, they you get what you can afford.
It's a lot easier and faster to get the whole assembly, because it's all new parts.
I've replaced just the struts and reused the other parts without a problem.

KYB is a good brand.
So get what you can get!

Just be very careful with the spring compressor!

 

Or if you are concerned about using a spring compressor, buy the needed parts and have a local repair shop help you with removing the coil springs from the old units and assembling the new units.

 

This is true.
But if you have the money for that, then you have the money for the complete assembly.
Unless they are unavailable where you are.

 

I am not concerned about replacing struts assembled or not (more about the weather, it rains the whole week here). The issue is there is no agreement to what is wrong in my case. I found an @oil_burner post, where he stated

It may be the case as mine look damaged to me.
Pictures here: shock/strut replacement tips | PriusChat

The original 2013 Suspension Knock - Help needed | PriusChat thread of mine

 

EDIT: message from FCS customer service received below (they replied super-fast)

Good morning, FCS Part Numbers 2333494L & 2333494R are correct for your vehicle with P195/65 R15 tires as long as your vehicle is the Base submodel with an Automatic CVT Transmission. Kind Regards,

--------------------------
I am hoping to get some confirmation / sanity check on the following:

Based on the attached RockAuto screenshot, if I am replacing my front struts with FCS pre-assembled struts (their version of QuickStruts), and I have a 2010 Prius with the standard P195/65 R15 tires, I would get the models 2333494L (left) and 2333494R (right), correct?

I was confused since they have a model that says "without P195/65 R15 tires" (model 1333494L and 1333494R), and these are the ones with the "hearts" next to them, meaning they are most frequently ordered.

This really confused me, since the vast majority of 2010's/Gen 3's had the standard P195/65 R15 tires.

Background: Prius has 220k miles on it, and as of June , it is now relegated to a second car. I estimate it will only see ~5,000-7,000 miles per year. I will likely hold onto it for another year or two, and then part with it closer to when the registration/emissions is up for bi-annual renewal. I had a mechanic friend check out the car for an unrelated question, and I also mentioned that the car seems to rattle after going over bumps. After inspection/driving it, he strongly recommend replacing the Sway Bar Links, and stated that it would make the most sense to replace the front struts as well at the same time. Apparently some of the boots are torn or leaking or something. He stated that if I got the quick struts, he could do them pretty much at-cost. I asked him if it's worth it to go with the KYBs for my use case ($190 for KYB vs $80 for FCS, each). He mentioned he's had good luck with FCS. So I was going to go with the FCS pre-assembled struts and Delphi sway bar links.

Thanks!