Hi everybody, My daughter ran her 2004 Prius over a road median (on her left) last night, going about 30 mph. We are being told that 4 or 5 'brackets' and the 'motor mount' have been damaged and require replacing. The dealer wants about $800 for this repair, of which half the price is parts and half labor, while an independent in her area is willing to used used parts if she accepts a no warranty repair. I found this part on Ebay Toyota Prius Hybrid 04 09 Front Engine Mount w Brackets 12305 21190 | eBay Any guesses if this is the correct part ? Any guesses what the other 'brackets' are ? I'm sure she would be thrilled if the cost can be halved. Thanks all!
Running over a median (if it's tall enough), should mean much more damage than what you are describing. What driving issues are there?
She described the median as curb height, with a sloped edge. I was surprised at any damage, but that appears to be naive. She immediately pulled over, and then the car was towed to a garage this AM. Total driving some < 100 feet after the accident. She noticed a vibration/shudder when she restarted the car last night, which is why we decided to not try driving it. The only other bits of information I know is that 1) the dealership also noted a torn bracket on the rear frame, and raised the possibility of frame misalignment. The recommendation was to repair the mounts and brackets, then perform a 4 wheel alignment for diagnostic reasons. They did perform a 'quick' alignment check already and found it (the frame?) was 'out of spec' but the service advisor did not have further details.
Well I would do the alignment first and drive it. I would think anything curb height would knock out the alignment.....and not much else. Definitely no frame damage. Maybe a bent strut.....but no frame damage.
The ebay mount you posted id pretty high up and would likely not get damaged by hitting a median. As far as "brackets" go, I have no clue what they are taking about. Maybe you can get a better description of the damaged parts? And better yet, maybe some pictures of the damage? Avi
if you can't diy, let the dealer do it. unless that independent is known to be honest, I don't think I'd want to pay someone to put parts on the car with no warranty. if the independent is truly trustworthy, that's the only way I'd let him do it. and don't be surprised if you find there is more damage that hasn't been noticed yet.
^^ Sound advice, thanks. I live in Colorado, my daughter and the car are in Raleigh, NC. I found this garage googling: Creech Auto repair. Any opinions, PriusChatters ?
I would suspect the reason there is no warranty on the repair is because you are providing your own parts.
Sagebrush, Sorry to hear about your daughter's accident. Depending on where she is at in Raleigh she may only be about 45 miles or so away from Taylor Automotive in Sanford, NC. They do a lot of work on Prii and have a pretty good reputation. That's a little far to limp a vehicle but it might be worth having them take a second look once it is "driveable". I'm with others on here questioning what "brackets" were damaged. If you could get some pictures or maybe the part#'s of the parts the dealership says need to be replaced that might help. Good luck, Chris
I plan to call the dealership in the AM to request the results of the 'quick' alignment test and the part #'s. Thanks for the thoughtful advice everybody.
I doubt that part is correct. The likely damaged motor mount would probably be #1 per the attached: Toyota 1236321030 Genuine Center Rod | eBay Note that rod is held on with bracket #3. That is one example of a bracket that might be damaged. Other possible damage areas: front/rear suspension, exhaust system. After hitting a raised median strip at 30 mph, I am surprised that the engine oil pan doesn't have a hole in it, destroying the engine. The damage could be much worse.
Check with your insurance company. Several years ago I ran over a curb getting into a gas station in my Saturn wagon. When I went for a oil change they said I had a cracked oil pan. I then ran it over to the local Chevy dealer. They quoted us $535.00 to repair it. I then went to my insurance agent and they paid for the whole bill. Remember this is an accident. It's best to check it out with your Toyota dealer and submit it to your insurance. Safety is a main concern.
I hit a curb last year going way less than that in the snow (maybe 10 mph) and bend a front lower control arm, as well as the wheel that hit the curb. I'd definitely make sure they look at all suspension parts before doing any other work as well. Car vibrated while driving after I changed the flat tire/wheel. It also tweeked a front wheel bearing which I had to replace later since luckily the shop didn't diagnose that (would have been more money out of pocket if I decided to have the shop fix that as well.)
What's the "price savings" of independent and used...vs. Dealership and new? My feeling is if we are talking 100's of dollars? While not insignificant, it's probably NOT worth going without repair warranty.
Taylors Auto is in NC and is a good, independent Prius repair facility. Dave Taylor is the technical expert behind ReInVolt (now Dorman) refurbished Hybrid Traction batteries. JeffD
Thanks Jeff, I thought about that garage, but it is too far away for this occasion. By the way, so far as I know Dave Taylor sold his garage business and is no longer actively associated with 'Taylors Auto.'
