Parts for your 2015 Ford Focus-Struts

Maintaining and Replacing Struts on Your 2015 Ford Focus

The 2015 Ford Focus is equipped with MacPherson struts which are an essential component of its suspension system. These struts play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride while maintaining the vehicle's handling and safety. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of your struts can greatly influence the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Let's delve into what you need to know about maintaining and possibly replacing the struts on your 2015 Ford Focus.

A strut is like a big brother to your typical shock absorber. It doesn't just control spring and suspension movement, it also holds the weight of the vehicle, impacts the alignment, and takes on several responsibilities for your car's stability. Here's a handy guide to keep your struts in top condition:

1. Regular Checks: Every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometres, visually inspect your struts for any signs of wear or damage. Check for leaks around the struts, unusual tyre wear patterns, and noises when driving over bumps. These are all tell-tale signs that your struts might be on their way out.
2. Monitoring Performance: If you feel that your Focus doesn't handle bumps or rough roads as smoothly, dives forward during braking, or generally feels less stable at higher speeds, it might be time for a strut check. Don't ignore these warning signs, your safety depends on it.

Replacing struts is not just about swapping out old parts, it's an opportunity to bring back the original ride quality of your Focus, and in some cases, even improve upon it with aftermarket alternatives. Here are steps and tips for replacing your Ford Focus struts:

• Gather the Right Tools: Before you begin, gather the necessary tools: A jack and jack stands for safety, a socket set, a spring compressor, and torque wrench. A repair manual for your specific model year can also be invaluable.
• Safety First: Working on your suspension requires lifting your vehicle off the ground, so make sure your car is parked on a level surface and keep it secure with properly positioned jack stands.
• Removal Process: Start by removing the wheels to access the struts. Next, support the suspension arm with a jack. Carefully undo the bolts that attach the strut to the vehicle body and the suspension hardware. Keep a note of each piece you remove to make reassembly as painless as possible.
• Compress Springs: Using a spring compressor, compress the coil spring and then take off the strut mount. This is perhaps the trickiest part due to the stored energy in the spring, so take your time and ensure the compressor is properly engaged.
• Install New Struts: Once the old strut is out, position the new strut and reattach the spring and strut mount in reverse order. Make sure to torque all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications for safety and optimal performance.
• Test Drive: After replacing the struts, take your car for a spin. Listen for any unusual noises and pay attention to the feel of your ride. A successful installation should result in significantly improved handling and comfort.

Upgrading or replacing your struts is a bit more involved than your average car maintenance task, but it's definitely doable with the right tools and know-how. If you're not entirely comfortable with this kind of mechanical work, consulting with a professional mechanic is always a wise move.

Another important aspect of strut maintenance is keeping aligned wheels. Uneven tyre wear often results from worn-out struts, which can lead to further car ailments. Regularly check your wheel alignment, especially after changing the struts. Improper alignment can reduce tyre life and affect handling characteristics.

Lastly, while replacing your struts, it's a good opportunity to replace other components like the strut mounts or bearings, which can also be worn and should be replaced to ensure optimal performance and lifespan of the new struts.

Remember, proper maintenance and replacement of struts can significantly improve your driving experience. Given their critical role in vehicle dynamics, making sure they're functioning perfectly is an investment in both safety and enjoyment behind the wheel of your 2015 Ford Focus.