Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

How to fit new shock absorbers?

Jeremyc
Jeremyc
in Ford Focus Club

Featured Replies

Hey guys,

 

I'm fitting new wishbones and shock absorbers this weekend. I've never fit a shock absorber before though. Anyone have information about doing it? If you've done it can you confirm if i'll need a coil compressor or not or if the coil can transfer over to the new shock absorber 

 

thanks

  • Quote


    Is this on the mk2 in your profile?

    yes you will need a spring compressor 

  • Quote
    • Author

    Yes and have you done it before?

  • Quote
    4 minutes ago, Jeremyc said:

    Yes and have you done it before?

    Done many hundreds of springs lol and a good few on mk2 focus

  • Quote
    • Author
    Just now, stef123 said:

    Done many hundreds of springs lol and a good few on mk2 focus

    Any tips for the shock absorbers then

  • Quote
    4 minutes ago, Jeremyc said:

    Any tips for the shock absorbers then

    Not really any tips specific to the focus that I can think of. Usual stuff though, remove drop link, brake hose, abs sensor wire, pinch bolt - I tend to heat the pinch bolt as they can be very tight! 6 point socket only for that and it's 15mm. 

    I tend to hammer the knuckle down then unbolt the shock but I have done it in the past by unbolting shock mount and knocking the shock upwards out of the knuckle. A wedge in the back of the knuckle helps too.

     

  • Quote

    I would recommend using a new pinch bolt and nut for the knuckle and a new tennon nut for the top mount to damper fixing 

  • Quote
    10 minutes ago, TangoDaz said:

    I would recommend using a new pinch bolt and nut for the knuckle and a new tennon nut for the top mount to damper fixing 

    The reality is no one does though lol. Pinch bolt doesn't have a nut either, the Knuckle is threaded. 

  • Quote

    sorry getting confused with the setup on land rovers but still best to replace bolt anyway as they aren't that expensive 

     

  • Quote

    Spring compressors are a necessity, and the only reason I don't attempt any jobs involving them myself!

  • Quote
    • Like 2
    • Author

    Went on  a treat today. Yes spring compressors are needed. For some reason I thought they were going to be very expensive but got a good heavy duty one for £15 from local shop. Used a jack to get the new shocks on knuckle though

     

  • Quote
    2 hours ago, Jeremyc said:

    Went on  a treat today. Yes spring compressors are needed. For some reason I thought they were going to be very expensive but got a good heavy duty one for £15 from local shop. Used a jack to get the new shocks on knuckle though

     

    Which compressor did you buy? 

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (31st May - 7th June 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (31st May - 7th June 2026) We hope you’re all enjoying your week and finding time for some time enjoying your Ford! This week, our vibrant forum has been buzzing with discussions that touch on a diverse range of Ford models, from the Mondeo to the Fiesta and Focus. Here’s a recap of some key conversations that might pique your interest. Starting with the Mondeo, user Frenchspanner shared a particularly frustrating issue relating to a 'Immobiliser Active' message appea
      Steve
      Steve
      • 149 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.