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Ford Focus replacing rear springs + cost of new lower control arms.

  • 27-04-2016 8:10pm
    #1
    my3cents
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,764 ✭✭✭


    This thread should be entitled Haynes manuals understatement!

    They said undo bolt and tap out, turns out I have to cut out the bolt and the bushing and replace the lower control arms :mad:

    So job started as a spring replacement on my wifes Ford Focus after a NCT broken spring fail. Got the springs from Mick Garage and the job looked easy enough in the Haynes manual. Anyway got stuck but need the car fairly soon so can't take it to my usual indie who is booked up.

    Anyone got any idea what price a Ford garage will charge me for the rear lower repair arms and bolts, if I can get them tomorrow then there's a chance I can get the car sorted in time.


Comments

  • #2
    Hal1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,720 ✭✭✭Hal1


    Did you round the bolt or is it rusted? should just be that bolt and then compress the spring and lever it out.


  • #3
    my3cents
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,764 ✭✭✭my3cents


    Long story short, if you are replacing the springs the chances are you will have to replace the lower control arms and the securing bolts.

    The bolts get rusted into the bushes and you normally need to cut them out with an angle grinder or reciprocating saw. Which necessitates replacing the lower control arms. Check online there are plenty of similar stories.

    Cost was about €45 for the bolts from the main dealer, €60 for the springs (Micks Garage) and just less than €120 for the lower control arms (local motor factor) - main dealer was €250 for the lower control arms. If you have time and plan the job then you can get the lower control arms and bolts cheaper on ebay. I had already messed up one bolt before I realised the job wasn't as easy as the Haynes manual suggested.

    Looked a simple job but took nearly 8 hours work plus time to visit main dealer and local motor factor. Would be a lot quicker next time but no one is going to be paying me for my experience.

    Add in another €40 if you want to/need to replace the the stabilizer bar link arms.


  • #4
    Hal1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,720 ✭✭✭Hal1


    I've never had to cut any parts I always heat them up and then they loosen up. They must have been badly corroded for you though.


  • #5
    my3cents
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,764 ✭✭✭my3cents


    Hal1 wrote: »
    I've never had to cut any parts I always heat them up and then they loosen up. They must have been badly corroded for you though.

    As I said plenty of stories online of others with the same issue. Steel on steel down near the road is bound to pick up moisture and rust sooner or later. I did pull out one of the 4 joints so only had to cut three.

    I found a lot of info here http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/brakes-suspension-body-chassis/316069-replacing-rear-coil-springs.html


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