Hi all,

Something I've noticed ever since buying my MK3 2013 Ford Focus back in 2017 is that whenever the rear of the car goes over a bump (even just a manhole cover) the car shifts from side to side. It seems particularly noticeable in wet weather.

The car has since been through multiple MOTs and servicing and nothing has ever been picked up generally.

Is this just a characteristic of the car's handling?

Thanks in advance.

sounds out of character - the focus used the same rear subframe from the mk1 through to the mk3 at least - any changes to tyres? they usually handle fantastic

Hmm strange. No changes to tyres and they're not budget brand either - mid-range. It's almost like it slips slightly on a manhole cover as I drive over it.

Could have a worn rear shock absorber or probably need to get four wheel alignment checked and adjusted

The Mk3s aren't as 'planted' as the Mk2.5s.  Kept the MK2 wheels on mine so it's not the wheels.  Either the chassis or the suspension setup just wasn't quite as good on the MK3 imo.

8 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Could have a worn rear shock absorber or probably need to get four wheel alignment checked and adjusted

I checked back through the history and noticed the rear shock absorbers were marked as worn and then replaced.

4 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

The Mk3s aren't as 'planted' as the Mk2.5s.  Kept the MK2 wheels on mine so it's not the wheels.  Either the chassis or the suspension setup just wasn't quite as good on the MK3 imo.

Ah ok good to know! Like I say I mainly notice it at speed going over the odd dropped manhole or something. I didn't really think of it at first but then a couple of rear passengers commented on it. Generally it seems a pretty good handler but maybe not quite as direct as i'd like in the bends

Mines is fine but one time around a roundabout I was tearing it around the inner and it slid out to the outer lane so not sure if it was tyres as fronts can do with being replaced soon but if it was busy it could of been dodgy. I would check your rear sway bar links as these things go all the time and give slack when going over small bumps. I don't feel it to be much different from the MK2 handling and I have thrashed mines round corners it's just fun 😁 maybe the spacers on the rear help, I still need to do the front.