Parts for your 2017 Ford Focus-Sway bars & links

Maintaining and Replacing Sway Bars and Links on Your 2017 Ford Focus

The sway bar, sometimes known as the anti-roll bar, is an integral part of the suspension system in the 2017 Ford Focus. It's designed to reduce body roll during cornering and improve handling. Paired with sway bar links, they connect the sway bar to the vehicle's suspension system. Understanding their function and maintenance is crucial for a smooth ride and adequate vehicle control.

Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the sway bars and links can help ensure the longevity and safety of your Ford Focus. Here's a comprehensive guide to looking after these essential components.

Signs You Need to Check the Sway Bars and Links

1. Strange Noises: If you start hearing clunking or rattling noises, especially when driving over bumps or making turns, it's often a sign that something might be wrong with the sway bars or links.
2. Handling Issues: Noticeable differences in the handling characteristics of your car, such as increased body roll or difficulty maintaining a straight line, could indicate wear or damage to the sway bars or links.
3. Uneven Tyre Wear: While there could be several causes for this, damaged sway bars and links can lead to uneven tyre wear due to improper suspension alignment.

Inspecting the Sway Bars and Links

Inspecting the sway bars and links is one of the easiest ways to catch potential issues early. To perform a basic inspection:

• Lift the Vehicle: Safely lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands. Always ensure the car is on a level surface and secured before getting underneath.
• Check the Sway Bar Links: Look for visible signs of wear, such as cracking in the rubber bushes or any obvious bends or damage in the links themselves.
• Assess Sway Bar Condition: Check for rust, major scratches, or any obvious defects along the sway bar.
• Examine Connection Points: The sway bar should be securely connected to the chassis. Ensure that all bolts and connections are tight and free from corrosion.

Replacing Sway Bars and Links

If you determine that the sway bars or links need replacing, doing it yourself can be a satisfying project if you have the right tools and some mechanical knowledge. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Gather the necessary tools including socket wrenches, a torque wrench, and replacement parts. Ensure the car is safely lifted and supported.
2. Remove the Old Parts: Begin by removing the nuts that secure the sway bar links to the sway bar and the suspension components. Carefully remove the old links.
3. Install the New Links: Attach the new sway bar links to the suspension and sway bar, making sure they are in the correct orientation. Tighten the nuts to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench.
4. Secure Everything: Double-check that all connections are secure and torqued correctly, ensuring there are no loose parts.
5. Test the Vehicle: After lowering the car back down, test drive to ensure that the handling feels correct and there are no unusual noises.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you're ever in doubt, contacting a professional mechanic is a wise decision. They have the expertise to properly diagnose and fix any suspension issues, especially in more complex cases where multiple components may be affected.

Sway Bar and Link Maintenance Tips

• Regular Inspections: Incorporate sway bar and link inspections into your regular vehicle maintenance schedule to catch potential problems early.
• Avoid Harsh Driving: Drive gently over bumps and avoid aggressive driving to reduce stress on the suspension components.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always use parts that are recommended by Ford or meet the required standards to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Keep Things Clean: Cleaning the suspension components occasionally can help avert corrosion and allow for easier inspections.

Your 2017 Ford Focus relies on numerous components to deliver the smooth, reliable ride you expect. By keeping a close eye on the condition of the sway bars and links, you can help ensure every journey is as safe and comfortable as possible. Whether you're tackling the replacement yourself or relying on a trusted mechanic, understanding these parts will help you make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance.