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

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

Characteristic

The shock absorber is an integral element of the suspension of any 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 the hydraulic resistance. And no matter what type of element - gas, oil or combined. In all cases, hydraulic fluid is used. However, in some shock absorbers there are more, in others - less. Vibration damping is performed by flowing the working fluid from one cylinder cavity to another. The oil passes through specialized valves.

Symptoms of a malfunction

Determine what is required for the car "Ford Focus 2" replacement of the rear shock absorbers, is simple enough. Since the elements perform vibration damping, in the event of a malfunction, all impacts will be made directly on the suspension. In this case, the driver will hear a characteristic dull thud in the rear of the cabin. What is noteworthy, these attacks are almost not audible on the street. But inside you feel right after the movement begins. The knock is so loud that even a good music can not interrupt it. Therefore, every car owner will hear such a symptom.

Additionally, the shock absorber can flow. This is due to the breakdown of the valve in the cylinder. At the same time, oil stains are clearly visible on the outside. Similar signs of a malfunction of the shock absorber "Ford Focus" are shown in the photo below. In this case, the driver will notice a change in control. The machine on the pits will behave harshly. And at high speed the "backside" will be unstable. The car is constantly looking for a road, "ryskaya" from side to side. This is the main symptom of the malfunction. The car needs urgent replacement of the rear shock absorbers. "Ford Focus 2" wagon is completed with the same elements as the hatchback. Therefore, there is no disagreement when replacing.

Instruments

In order to replace the rear shock absorbers successfully with the Ford Focus 2 car, you will need the following set of tools:

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

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

Getting Started

So, how is the replacement of the rear shock absorbers on the Ford Focus 2 (restyling) made? The car must be installed on a level platform. Ideally, it should be a viewing hole - it will greatly facilitate our work. But in the absence of that, it is entirely possible to replace the element with one's own hands.

So, first we rip off the wheel nuts with a balonnik. Next, we jack up the car body part. Finally unscrew the bolts and remove the wheel. Then we need to press the spring on the rear suspension. To do this, substitute a hydraulic jack under the lower lever and slightly lift the element to the desired position.

Then, using a metal brush, we clean the bolt by 15 (using it, the bottom of the shock absorber is fixed on the longitudinal arm of the suspension) from the dirt and treat it with lubricant in the form of a spray. Then we pick up the corresponding key (carob or head) and unscrew this bolt. How is the "Ford Focus 2" rear shock absorber replaced? Then we need to unscrew the nut, which fastens the upper support of the element to the body arch. To do this, use the "10" key. The ratchet may not fit, so it is better to take a regular carob or a spanner.

Change the support

After the done operations, we will have access to the shock absorber. It can be safely removed outside. But this is not the end of our work. We will also need to replace the rear shock absorber support with "Ford Focus 2". It does not come bundled with the new, so we analyze it from the old "amorta". How to do it?

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

Installation

Similarly, mount the bump and support for the new element, 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. Further slowly and without jerks we begin to squeeze it. In this position, fix the cylinder for two or three seconds. We turn the shock absorber with the rod upward (we do not release the stem itself). We fix the element in this position for five to six seconds. After this, smoothly push the stem up to the stop. But that is not all. Then place the shock absorber with the rod facing down. Again, we maintain a two-second pause and perform the above steps once more. The entire procedure is repeated 5-6 times on each new shock absorber before installation. Further installation is in the reverse order.

It is important to install an anther and an intact buffer. Otherwise all dirt will fall on the rod. This can disrupt the integrity of the shock absorber and cause it to breakdown.

The shock absorber is installed according to the "bottom-up" scheme. First, the lower part of the rod is fixed (it is important to pull it out until it stops in the arch). Next, the car is fitted with a wheel, and it is removed from the jack. As the body is lowered, the upper part of the element comes in contact with the support. Using the key, tighten both bolts and go to the adjacent shock absorber. Further operations are carried out in a similar manner.

Why is it necessary 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 by two or three times. After all, after the done operations, the piston will move smoothly and without failures. The same applies to the front pillars. They are also pumped before installation.

Conclusion

So, we found out how to replace the rear shock absorbers "Ford Focus 2". All operations can be performed independently. However, you must carefully pump the machine before installing. This greatly extends the service life of the shock absorber.