[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Hi Guys,[/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]I’m needing some advice on my new Focus, and hope one of you guys can help.[/font][/color][/size]

[font="Calibri"][color="#000000"][size="3"]I’ve always had Fords, apart from a brief foray over to the darkside with Luton’s finest. This is my 3[/size][sup][size="2"]rd[/size][/sup][size="3"] Focus, having had a Mk 1.5 and a Mk 2. Now I have a 2008 Titanium 1.8 TDCI with a sport pack.[/size][/color][/font]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]The issue I’m having is with the boot, or tailgate, handle. This is chrome effect on the Titanium, and I noticed that there was a rubber part sticking out from under it, so I removed the handle to fix, and 2 of the fixing bolts have snapped off, presumably by the previous owner.[/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Is this a weak point? Is there a particular way of fitting this part to avoid this type of damage?[/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]At £158 for a replacement, I don’t want to make the same mistake again![/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Also, do you guys have any experience of what gaskets should be where under the handle?[/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Thanks for your help and advice.[/font][/color][/size]

[size="3"][color="#000000"][font="Calibri"]Brian.[/font][/color][/size]

I can't recall any gasget under the boot handle when i removed mine which was a 2010 Titanium , but the trim was not Chrome as it had keyless entry , i think there were 4/5 bolts holding it on , where are they snapped is it the physical bolts or where the bolt screws in. Sounds like they over tightened them.
A breakers or Ebay might be cheaper if you need to replace it
Tip for tightening trim bits would be finger tight plus one turn should be ample when replacing

It wasn't the actual bolts that were snapped, but the plastic housing they are seated in to. Looked like a severe case of over thightening.

When I say gaskey, it's more a rubber seal that stops water ingress.

I take your point about tightening, problem is they are nyloc nuts, so finger tight does not apply!

Thanks for the reply though, much appeciated.