how do |I change front springs on ford focus?

Yes you will need a set of spring compressors (use caution, they can be lethal) they are cheap to buy and pretty easy to use. Please remember though you must dismantle the front suspention, remove the brake caliper, top ball joint (track rod end) lower ball joint, then remove the driveshaft (remove end nut tap shaft with a hammer, pull the strut towards you untill clear of the shaft). Warning if the shaft falls out of the gearbox end you will loose the trns.oil. This must be replaced before driving away. Remove top locating bolts holding the strut in place. Once you are holding the entire Strut (shock absorber and spring complete) only then attach the compressors. Fit these opposite each other. You will need to open the compressors to their max. push them on as tight as you can then begin to tighten them in sequence (*make sure you have kept the hex.head of the tool, to the bottom of the assembly when fitting the new spring) once fully compressed you can undo the top retaining nuts, remove the collers.
Replacement is a reverse of removal... *clamp the new spring and put in place on the strut... *keep the spring compressed. Fit the collers and nuts then offer the new strut into the arch and up into the flich. (you will need to pull the shock out to its full extention before offering it up though) Refit the locating nuts and refit the driveshaft then the rest of the suspension elements remove the clamps then refit the brake caliper.

Remember to tighten all of the elements you have loosened and mark with chalk when tight.

P1Darbs
January 2007

Need a set of sprig compressors (Verydangerous job as they are under a lot of compression). You can buy them at Halfords for around £20. You must remove the whole suspension strut, the put a compressor on either side of the spring, then tighten till the spring is slack. I wouldnt advise doing it yourself if you dont know how as springs can kill you (or someone else in the vicinity) if they go off!

Paul
December 2006