Replacing the rear shock absorbers "Ford Focus 2" with their own hands

As you know, any item has its own life.And no matter how reliable the car, over time, it requires repair and maintenance. The Ford Focus 2 hatchback is no exception. Replacing rear shock absorbers is a procedure that every Fordovod faces. So, let's look at what are the shock absorbers, when and how to change them.

Characteristic

The shock absorber is an integral element of the suspensionany car. This mechanism serves to reduce the amplitude of body oscillations by operating an elastic element. The principle of the shock absorber is based on hydraulic resistance.

And no matter what type of element it is - gasoil or combined. In all cases, hydraulic fluid is used. However, in some shock absorbers it is more, in others - less. The damping is performed by flowing the working fluid from one cylinder cavity to another. Oil passes through specialized valves.

Symptoms of a malfunction

Determine what is required by the Ford Focus2 "Replacing the rear shock absorbers is quite simple. Since the elements perform vibration damping, in the event of a malfunction all shocks will be made directly to the suspension. In this case, the driver will hear the characteristic thud at the rear of the cabin. Remarkably, these beats are almost not audible on the street. But inside felt immediately after the start of the movement. The sound is so loud that even good music is unable to kill it. Therefore, this symptom will hear every car owner.

Additionally, the shock absorber can flow.This is due to the breakdown of the valve in the cylinder. At the same time, on the outer side of it, oil drips are clearly visible. Similar signs of a malfunction in the Ford Focus shock absorber are shown in the photo below.

In doing so, the driver will notice a change inmanagement. The car in the pits will behave hard. And at high speed "back" will be unstable. The car is constantly looking for a way, "roving" from side to side. This is the main symptom of a malfunction. The car urgently needs replacement rear shock absorbers. "Ford Focus 2" wagon is equipped with the same elements as the hatchback. Therefore, there is no disagreement when replacing.

Instruments

For the Ford Focus 2 to be replaced successfully, the following set of tools will be needed:

• Jack (mechanical and hydraulic).
• Balonnik.
• Adjustable wrench.
• A set of keys (you need the tool "for 10", "for 13" and "for 15").
• Brush on the metal.
• Universal grease "Mannol" or "VD-40".

You will also need a new damping element.On cars "Ford Focus 2" sedan replacement of the rear shock absorbers produced in pairs. This means that even if the neighboring element is healthy, it must also be replaced. Experts do not advise to neglect this rule.

Getting Started

So, how is the self-replacementrear shock absorbers on the Ford Focus 2 (restyling)? The car must be installed on a flat platform. Ideally, this should be a viewing pit - it will greatly facilitate our work. But in the absence of such, it is possible to replace the element with your own hands.

So, first we break the wheel nuts with balonnik. Next jacking up part of the car body.

Окончательно откручиваем болты и снимаем колесный disk. Then we need to preload the spring on the rear suspension. To do this, we substitute the hydraulic jack under the lower arm and slightly raise the element to the desired position.

Next, using a brush for metal we clean the bolt on15 (with the help of it, the bottom of the shock absorber is fixed on the trailing arm of the suspension) from dirt and treat it with lubricant in the form of a spray. Then we take in hand the corresponding key (horn or head) and unscrew the bolt. How is the Ford Focus 2 rear shock absorber replaced?

Then we need to unscrew the nut that fastenstop support element to the body arch. To do this, use the key "10". Ratchet may not fit, so it is better to take the usual open-end or cap spanner.

Change the support

After the done operations we will be releasedaccess to the shock absorber. It can be safely removed outside. But our work does not end there. We also need to replace the rear shock absorber on the "Ford Focus 2". It does not come bundled with the new, so we disassemble it from the old “Amorth”. How to do it?

You need an adjustable wrench.With it, hold the top element of the rod. Z-shaped key "13" unscrew the mounting nut. Now you can safely remove the support with a buffer and a protective cover. If these elements are in good condition, then they can be “transferred” to a new shock absorber along with the support.

Installation

Similarly, we install a bump stop and a support forNew item using the same tools. So the shock absorber will be ready for installation. But before you put it in place, you need to pump the cylinder. How to do it?

First, turn the shock absorber rod down.Then slowly and without jerking we begin to compress it. In this position, fix the cylinder for two or three seconds. We turn the shock absorber rod up (attention - we do not release the rod itself).

Фиксируем в данном положении элемент на five to six seconds. After that, gently push the rod all the way. But that is not all. Then we place the shock absorber rod down. Again we withstand a two-second pause and perform the above steps again. The whole procedure is repeated 5-6 times on each new shock absorber before installation. Further assembly is performed in the reverse order.

It is important to install the whole boot and the intact buffer. Otherwise, all the dirt will fall on the stock. This can destroy the integrity of the shock absorber and cause it to breakdown.

Installation of the shock absorber is made according to the scheme"down up". First, the lower part of the stem is fastened (it is important to pull it out until it stops in the arch). Next, the wheel is installed on the car, and it is removed from the jack. As the lowering of the body, the upper part of the element will come into contact with the support. Using the key, tighten both bolts and go to the next shock absorber. Further operations are performed in the same way.

Why do I need to pump the shock absorber before installation?

Many do not adhere to this advice. However, pumping allows you to increase the life of the shock absorber in two or three times.

After all, after the operations done, the piston will move smoothly and without failures. The same applies to the front pillars. They are also pumped before installation.

Conclusion

Итак, мы выяснили, как производится замена задних shock absorbers "Ford Focus 2". All operations can be performed independently. However, before installing the mechanism should be carefully pumped. This will significantly extend the life of the shock absorber.