Alright folks, hoping someone can point me in the right direction here. My Mk3 Focus is doing that lovely thing where the steering's all over the shop - pulls both ways depending on what mood it's in that day. Pretty sure it's tie rod ends and probably some bushes that have seen better days.

Thing is, I want to get it sorted properly with some decent kit - thinking Bilstein B12s and a full Powerflex bush refresh while we're at it. Problem is every time I mention anything beyond basic OEM parts at the usual places, they either look at me like I've grown a second head or start talking about "not being able to warranty aftermarket parts" etc.

I'm after somewhere around Gloucester (willing to travel a bit for the right place) that actually knows their way around a Focus and won't treat me like I'm asking them to fit a turbo to a Transit. You know, the sort of place that gets excited about proper suspension components rather than trying to talk you out of them.

Anyone dealt with a good independent that specialises in Fords? Not bothered about main dealer prices, just want someone who knows what they're doing and stocks the good stuff.

Cheers!

Make sure tyres are good

Make sure geometry is correct and steering wheel straight

Reset straight ahead detection using FORScan

Disable pull drift compensation using FORScan

47 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Make sure tyres are good

Make sure geometry is correct and steering wheel straight

Reset straight ahead detection using FORScan

Disable pull drift compensation using FORScan

Are you trying to talk him out of suspension upgrades? 🤭

55 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

Make sure tyres are good

Make sure geometry is correct and steering wheel straight

Reset straight ahead detection using FORScan

Disable pull drift compensation using FORScan

 

Thank you - both awesome suggestions that I will *mutters resetting FORScan license* look into!

it's also a bit.. crashy.. so figure a good time to ***** away a grand getting some of the old bits done (113K miles)

57 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Are you trying to talk him out of suspension upgrades? 🤭

I bet that's all that's up with it.

Pull drift was a nightmare on our ST-Line

Much better once I deactivated it

Just a nudge in case anyone's "local"! (praying_hands)

Turns out previous owner had put some Eibach springs on it which likely causing all the weird movement and slamming in the car.

 

debating whether to take them off and go OEM, or just replace with full bilstein b12.

Eibachs are what I would recommend.  I doubt they are causing the issues.

The Eibach springs were a suspension upgrade that Ford offered as an official accessoire. I used Eibach springs on both a Focus MK2 and MK3 and they are far superior to the original springs of both the standard and sport suspension.

The Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit actually uses the exact same Eibach springs.


The Eibach springs are definitely not the cause of your problem.

I also recommend to not install the Powerflex bushes unless you only drive on perfect roads. The combination of Bilstein B12 dampers, Eibach springs and Powerflex bushes will make the car quite uncomfortable to drive on poor roads especially when 18 or 19 Inch wheels with low profile tyres are fitted. 

On 7/18/2025 at 8:40 AM, JW1982 said:

The Eibach springs were a suspension upgrade that Ford offered as an official accessoire. I used Eibach springs on both a Focus MK2 and MK3 and they are far superior to the original springs of both the standard and sport suspension.

The Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit actually uses the exact same Eibach springs.


The Eibach springs are definitely not the cause of your problem.

I also recommend to not install the Powerflex bushes unless you only drive on perfect roads. The combination of Bilstein B12 dampers, Eibach springs and Powerflex bushes will make the car quite uncomfortable to drive on poor roads especially when 18 or 19 Inch wheels with low profile tyres are fitted. 

Yah I just feel like I'm getting too much travel on the OEM dampers. It's a Titanium X spec, not an ST TDCI, so has the original standard dampers.

Don't know how far you want to travel but there's n.k automotive in Worcester who trained at ford garage I worked at. He knows his way round fords. Small garage but approachable lad. Just off the ombersley road opposite Esso garage.