Parts for your 2017 Ford Focus-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2017 Ford Focus: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Ford Focus, a popular hatchback and sedan in Australia, uses coil springs as a key component of its suspension system. Coil springs play a vital role in providing a smooth ride, enhancing vehicle handling and maintaining appropriate ride height. For anyone driving a 2017 Ford Focus, understanding the function of coil springs and how to look after them is important for keeping the car in great shape.

Coil springs are essentially helical or spiral-shaped springs made of strong steel. In the Focus, they sit between the vehicle's chassis and the suspension arms, absorbing bumps and shocks from the road. These springs compress when you hit rough surfaces and then expand back to their original shape, helping to keep the wheels in contact with the road and reducing the impact felt inside the cabin.

The 2017 Ford Focus utilises MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension setup, both of which rely on coil springs to support the weight of the car and manage road imperfections. This design is common in many modern passenger cars because coil springs efficiently balance comfort, handling, and durability without adding excessive weight.

Caring for coil springs is a relatively straightforward aspect of vehicle maintenance, but it does require some attention over time. Even though coil springs are tough, they can wear out or become damaged due to road hazards or corrosion from environmental factors. Rust is especially a concern in areas with frequent rain or near the coast, where salt can cause metal components to deteriorate faster.

It is advisable for Ford Focus owners to have their suspension system checked regularly as part of routine servicing, including a visual inspection of coil springs. Mechanics will look for signs such as cracks, deformation, or sagging. A sagging spring is when the vehicle sits lower than usual on one corner, which can affect handling and safety.

When coil springs weaken or fail, the impact is quite noticeable. The ride can become harsh because the springs no longer absorb shocks properly, or the car may display excessive body roll in corners. In extreme cases, a broken spring can make driving unsafe by causing instability or uneven tyre wear. Replacing damaged or worn coil springs as soon as possible is a good idea to keep the Ford Focus driving smoothly and safely.

Replacing coil springs on a 2017 Ford Focus is generally a job for a professional mechanic, especially since springs are under high tension and require special tools to remove and install safely. That said, after replacement, the car should be aligned professionally to ensure tyres wear evenly and the vehicle tracks correctly on the road.

Coil spring maintenance may also tie in with inspecting other parts of the suspension system like shock absorbers or struts, bushings and suspension arms. These components all work together, and a problem in one area can place extra stress on the springs or vice versa.

Some key tips for Focus owners about coil springs include:

• Arrange regular suspension inspections when servicing your vehicle, especially if you often drive on rough or gravel roads.
• Pay attention to unusual noises such as clunks or bangs over bumps, which can indicate a spring or associated part might be damaged.
• After installing new coil springs, always get a wheel alignment to avoid uneven tyre wear and maintain proper handling.
• Protect suspension components from corrosion by cleaning them regularly, especially if you live near the coast or in regions where roads are salted in winter.

Overall, coil springs are a fundamental part of the 2017 Ford Focus, contributing significantly to ride quality and vehicle safety. Keeping them in good condition ensures that the car handles well, remains comfortable, and delivers the driving experience owners expect. Taking the time to inspect and maintain coil springs during scheduled servicing can prevent bigger suspension issues down the track and keep the Focus running as it should.