Parts for your 2017 Ford Focus-Control arms

Understanding Control Arms on the 2017 Ford Focus

The 2017 Ford Focus definitely uses control arms as an essential part of its suspension system. Control arms play a key role in how the vehicle handles and rides, so they are a crucial component for keeping the Focus driving smoothly and safely down Australian roads.

Control arms connect the wheel hubs to the car's frame, allowing the wheels to move up and down while maintaining proper alignment with the chassis. This helps absorb bumps and maintains stability through corners, contributing to the overall comfort and control that the 2017 Ford Focus is known for. Typically, the Focus uses a combination of upper and lower control arms in the front suspension and sometimes in the rear, depending on the specific model and trim level.

The purpose of control arms is fairly straightforward but extremely important. They ensure the wheels follow the right path as the suspension compresses and rebounds. By doing this, they help maintain tyre contact with the road, improve steering precision and reduce tyre wear. Simply put, if the control arms wear out or become damaged, the vehicle's handling will feel loose or unstable, and it can even become unsafe to drive.

Because control arms are so vital, they often come with bushings and ball joints, which allow them to pivot while absorbing vibrations. Over time, these bushes and joints wear out due to normal driving wear and tear, Australian weather conditions and road surfaces, which can be harsh on suspension components. If the bushings crack or degrade, or the ball joints wear out, you might notice clunking noises, uneven tyre wear or vibrations through the steering wheel.

When it comes to replacing or maintaining control arms on the 2017 Ford Focus, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First, it's a good idea to have them inspected regularly during servicing, especially if the vehicle is past 60,000 kilometres or frequently driven on rough roads. Mechanics will check for any signs of wear or damage to the arms, bushings and ball joints. Any play or movement in these areas means the control arms should be replaced to maintain safe handling.

Replacing control arms isn't typically an everyday DIY task, given it often involves removing the wheel, separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle, and sometimes decompressing the suspension springs. Though it might sound complicated, a professional mechanic will have the right tools and knowledge to get it done quickly and correctly.

One important reason to opt for quality replacement parts is that cheaper control arms might use low-grade bushings or substandard ball joints that fail prematurely. This can cause more trips to the workshop and higher long-term costs. Genuine or reputable aftermarket control arms will provide better durability and maintain the vehicle's handling characteristics.

After installing new control arms, wheel alignment should always be performed. Since control arms are linked to suspension geometry, replacing them can alter the wheel angles. An alignment ensures tyres sit properly on the road, prevents uneven wear and keeps your Focus driving straight.

Maintenance-wise, control arms themselves don't require much because they are sealed assemblies. However, their components like bushings and ball joints gradually wear out. If the vehicle is frequently driven in dusty or muddy conditions, these parts can degrade faster. Regular inspections at service intervals help catch any issues early.

When replacing control arms, it's also worthwhile checking other suspension parts such as struts, sway bar links and tie rod ends. Often these components wear out around the same time, affecting overall ride quality and safety.

To wrap up on control arms for the 2017 Ford Focus, they are an integral part of the suspension system that keep the wheels aligned and the ride comfortable. Regular inspections and quality replacements when needed provide peace of mind and maintain the sporty and stable driving experience that owners expect. Whether cruising through city streets or hitting the open highway, well-maintained control arms contribute significantly to the Focus's reputation for tight handling and ride comfort.