44 minutes ago, landfall said:

mods can delete this post

I think the mods have been deleted 🤣

I am actually surprised that the Fiesta MK7/MK7.5 has a large spare wheel well that it can accommodate a space saver or full-size spare wheel.

Larger ford models of the same era like for example the Focus MK3/MK3.5 or Kuga MK2/MK2.5 have a much smaller spare wheel well that cannot even accommodate a 125 mm wide space saver without raising the boot floor with foam inserts.

Interestingly it looks like the UK Mk7.5 didn't get the option of a spacesaver.  It was the full size 5.5J only according to this brochure.

Why are full size spare 175/65/14 tyres still limited to 50mph? I was under the impression this limit only applies to space savers.

50 minutes ago, landfall said:

Why are full size spare 175/65/14 tyres still limited to 50mph?

As you can see from the table Tom posted, it's only full size for a couple of versions. It's undersize for the vast majority so cannot be driven at normal speed. Probably applied to all to avoid a lengthy explanation and confusion.

9 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

looks like the UK Mk7.5 didn't get the option of a spacesaver.  It was the full size 5.5J only according to this brochure.

I think that table may be from an early brochure, before the introduction of the ST which needed the 125/80x15 to clear the front calipers?

Same story with the Mk 8 where most models got the 175/65x14, except the ST.

6 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

It's undersize for the vast majority so cannot be driven at normal speed.

What exactly is the reason a 175/65/14 spare is limited to 50mph? Is it because it upsets the car rather than it being prone to a blowout due to overheating?

I understand a 125/80/15 being limited to 50mph due to lack of effective heat dissipation, but if 175/65/14 is being used as standard on some models then I can't see why heat would be a reason for the speed limit.

Unless there is some difference between a regular tyre and the tyre Ford put on a spare 175/65/14? I believe the tyre shop will fit a standard tyre to my 14" steel rim as a spare as if it was a regular alloy wheel.

The main reason why the full-size spare is also limited to 50 MPH are the wheel nuts.

Steel wheels have different wheel nuts. Since the 1990's most vehicles have alloy wheels with specific wheel nuts. These wheel nuts can be used for the steel full-size spare or space saver in emergency situations for temporary use and at reduced speed.


Another reason is the circumference of the full-size spare or space saver which is usually a bit different from other tyre sizes. Different circumference wheels on the front (driven) axle results in a permanent speed difference inside the differential. This can cause excessive wear of the differential or even overheating of the transmission.

On many vehicles it is therefore not allowed to use the full-size spare or space saver on the driven axle.

Managed to get hold of the official spare wheel kit that Ford sells from someone off Facebook marketplace.

What is the correct order to install this in the wheel well including whether the wheel should be upside down? I'm confused because there is no foam provided to keep the jack and wrench in place.

I'm also unsure what the purpose of the screw being a cup is if someone could enlighten me. The inner part of the cup is too big to go inside the centre of the wheel so it sits on top of it. Thanks

Foam sold separately...

See this regarding the correct installation of the spare wheel kit:
 

The cup is located on top of the wheel. On the Fiesta it does not fit into the center hole. The function of the cup is supporting the boot floor at the center of the wheel.

Apart from the items listed above you also need the bottom insulator and the foam insert that holds the jack, wrench and center cap removal tool.

The bottom insulator is basically just a piece of carpet underlay that sits between the wheel and the wheel well. Instead of buying the way overpriced Ford part you can also buy a piece of carpet underlay from a local shop and cut it yourself. 

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to see whether I can find the foam by itself. Ford are selling it for £20. That's half of what I paid for the entire kit...

What is the purpose of the insulating carpet? I have seen it on some models but I thought it was cosmetic.

The insulator is to prevent the spare wheel from contacting the spare wheel well. 

My experience is that even a fully tightened spare wheel can still move a little bit inside the wheel well. This can cause unwanted noises. The insulator prevents this.


You should be able to get a piece of carpet underlay from a local carpet fitter for little money or even for free. They usually have enough excess material that they normally throw away anyway.