Front Shock Absorber With Coil Spring: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Toyota Prius. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY LH
1. Compress and extend the shock absorber rod 4 or more times. Check that there is no abnormal resistance or sound.
  If there is any abnormality, replace the shock absorber front LH with a new one.
  
  NOTE: When disposing of the shock absorber, see DISPOSAL .
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Front Shock Absorber Assembly LH
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002