Hi all,

Decided to lower my car with 40mm H&R springs... I also redone the whole rear suspension arms & anti roll bar bushes apart from the arms that connect the hub to the main frame of the car (can't remember the proper name for it). Anyway, the front sits nice now but the rear does not look as if it's made much difference. Also when I corner at 30mph the ESP starts to work which it never done before, and the rear feels as if it has sway from left to right at points when it shouldn't. It's bugging me because I've never had this problem before when lowering any car...

Anybody ever had this problem ?

2010 Ford Focus titanium 1.6tdci

Have you had a 4 wheel alignment done since lowering it?

if the rear looks high then its a standard issue. A lot of guys have chopped of a coil (a dead coil at the top/bottom) and this levels the height or purchased the Cobra 6040/60mm split springs.

Some will say its dangerous to cut off a coil etc but its down to personal preference/costs.

I've not had the alignment done yet, no. That was my first thought as it has to be done but the ESP Was making me think that there was a serious problem as its heavily kicking in when I'm going round a long bend. I mean it's 30mph on a bend that's not that sharp.

I'll get the alignment done today after work or tomorrow and get back to you guys.

will cutting a coil not be dangerous to road holding /braking at speed

will cutting a coil not be dangerous to road holding /braking at speed

I wouldnt cut coils ever,

But each to there own.

I would definitly get the tracking done to save you money on tyres aswell,

You can use a modified elm327 to select ST 18" alloys in the settings box,

This wont give you alloys but it will reduce the sensitivity of the ESP

You can also switch off ESP through the onboard menu,

But definitly get it tracked mate.

Americans cut coils off all the time but they have to be done accurately then the ends ground to look like they are standard then painted its not dangerous if done properly

I think the problem people face with cutting springs is that the top and bottom of the springs are wound to sit flat and when you cut it then if you tried to stand it on the floor etc it would fall over as its now been cut through one of the angled coils. I dont know what effect that would have once refitted and under load back in the strut. You would think it would want to twist and ping out in theory but ive seen plenty of car programmes on telly where they just chop away!

yep, i've seen too many fast'n'loud programs which involves cutting of springs. the st owners forum has pics of cut springs and they all seem to be fine....

yep, i've seen too many fast'n'loud programs which involves cutting of springs. the st owners forum has pics of cut springs and they all seem to be fine....

I think Fast'n'Loud Gas Monkey Garage might use decent gear now they are turning out decent cars but the lads over at Misfit Garage probably do it as common practice even though theyre on tv too!:D

I know which garage i would rather buy a car from!:)

I think the bush you haven't done is in the tie-bar,some call it a butterfly bush.Why are you sorting out the wheel alignment when you need to address the new design height of your car first?

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what do you mean William ? The height is fine till I can afford a decent set of coilovers it's the ESP & Dodgey handling I'd like to fix.

I think the bush you haven't done is in the tie-bar,some call it a butterfly bush.Why are you sorting out the wheel alignment when you need to address the new design height of your car first?

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Ok,me being stupid.You said the front is sitting good but I thought you had problems with the rear.I was guessing the springs weren't seated correctly or the suspension arms not set up right.

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Haha sorry mate am sorta new to this stuff, the springs are seated right by the looks of it. I put everything back on the way I removed it.