2012 Rear Shock Replacement - Adjustable Air?

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by feivel, Sep 19, 2021.

  1. feivel

    feivel Junior Member

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    150k miles on my Prius V and one of my rear shocks is leaking. I want to replace both.
    Almost weekly I have been loading the vehicle up (under GVWR) to haul building materials, or sometimes pulling a trailer. I love this car.

    This video makes replacement look easy:


    I want to replace them with Adjustable Air Shocks, like this: https://www.monroe.com/products/carry-the-load/max-air-adjustable-shocks.html

    Does anyone know the specs of the Prius v shocks, or can help figure out which size of these will be an exact fit? They don't sell any specifically labeled to fit a Prius V (but they should!)

    Thanks!
     
    #1 feivel, Sep 19, 2021
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2021
  2. feivel

    feivel Junior Member

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    Okay, some updates:
    Found the specs here: https://drivcat.com/overlays/part-detail.aspx?brandId=MS&pNum=5502&partType=Shock%20Absorber%20-%20OESpectrum

    Looks like model 5502 is the exact-fit for Prius V.

    Found the catalog with specs here:
    Monroe Strut and Shock Measurements - Shockwarehouse.com

    Looks like there's nothing that's an exact match, but MA777 kinda looks like it might fit maybe, but I'm not sure. Not everything is a match, but it seems fairly close. Thoughts?
    MA777 Monroe Airshocks Pair Ford E150 Van - Shockwarehouse.com
     
    #2 feivel, Sep 19, 2021
  3. Tim Jones

    Tim Jones Senior Member

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    ----USA----
    The Hatchback and v have different front and rear shocks. Make SURE you get shocks for the v.......!
     
    #3 Tim Jones, Sep 19, 2021
  4. feivel

    feivel Junior Member

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    *Sigh* - The Max Air ones don't have the right width of connector at the bottom, and I don't think I want to risk filling in the width with washers/spacers. So I went with the exact-fit-nothing-special replacement. Fit fine.

    Would still LOVE any advice on safely putting adjustable rear shocks onto this beast.
     
    #4 feivel, Sep 21, 2021
  5. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    #5 jzchen, Oct 3, 2021
  6. redv

    redv Junior Member

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    It seems that Firestone makes pneumatic lift bladders which fit inside the coil springs on the V. I used the product in a 4Runner when I was overseas. They worked great for that. You might want to check them out.
     
    #6 redv, Nov 15, 2021
  7. davev1pa

    davev1pa Junior Member

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    Location:
    Lincoln,NE
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Two Eco
    Firestone Coil rites: I bought mine at etrailer.com and they’ve worked well for four years. I do want to take them out and put them on my 2016 however, I would have to disassemble the and pull them out from the bottom of the spring. I don’t see a way of getting them out otherwise. when I bought these, they were $100 now they’re 130. I will say this that they do leak air, but they’ve actually provided great lift for my trailer. I find the installed super easy, just slipped the bag into the coils and pull it down. There’s also a rubber portion that goes at the bottom that’s easily installed. You have the option to combine the two bags or run them separately. I chose separately to ensure leak proofing. They hold 30 pounds and probably gave me an inch and a half to 2 inch lift. I do have slow leaks in them, likely from connections and I could redo those, but they definitely hold air for a decent amount of time. On my 2016 I’m looking for a more permanent solution
     
    #7 davev1pa, Jul 1, 2025 at 2:20 PM
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