What are the main problems with a used Ford Focus?

Ford Focus Mk2 is one of the most popular car models in the UK.  But we mustn’t forget that the oldest examples of the second-generation Ford Focus are now into their second decade, so don’t expect excellence. There are some common issues that are well worth being mindful of.

The main problem is, no doubt neglect. There are so many options available and with the advancing years of this model, the vehicle is now so inexpensive to buy that people don’t bother spending too much money on keeping on top of servicing.

But don’t be put off by the potential issues we’re about to list here. They are not really that uncommon to any car of its age.

Like all cars, the ones that have had some care and love will be more reliable, and with so many around it’ll be worth looking around and finding one that’s been correctly serviced.

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Due to the age of the vehicle, it’s inevitable that some metal parts start showing signs of corrosion and rust. And at some point, they will start to fail and need replacing. So here is the list of car parts that will need to be changed sooner or later.

Buy Ford Focus mk2 Wheel Bearings Here

WISHBONE (also Suspension Arm or Control Arm)

Wishbones are a component of the vehicles suspension. Wishbones are installed across the car perpendicular to the direction of travel and connect the wheel mount either with the axle (multi-link rear suspension) or directly to the body (MacPherson independent suspension).

The function of the wishbone is mainly to take up horizontal forces, such as occur when accelerating or braking and cornering.

Main symptoms of a failing Wishbone include:

- Steering wheel vibration: If the bushings or ball joints in the wishbone become excessively worn it can cause wheel shimmy (shake), which may cause vibrations that may be felt in the wheel. The vibrations may increase as you accelerate and dissipate once you are traveling at speed.

- Steering wandering: Excessively worn ball joints or bushings can cause the vehicle’s steering alignment to shift. Which means the steering could start pulling to the left or right when travelling on road. It would take constant adjustment from the driver to drive in a straight line.

- Clunking noises: If the bushings or ball joints develop excessive play/looseness, this can cause them to knock during acceleration, or when the vehicle is traveling over rough terrain. The clunking sound will get louder as the component wears or until it eventually breaks.

Get the new Wishbones for your Ford Focus HERE

 

WHEEL BEARING

A wheel bearing is a circle of ball bearings secured in a ring called a 'race'. This simple yet brilliant design helps your wheels turn with the minimum of friction. They are found in cars, vans, trucks and planes. In vehicles, wheel bearings rotate on the end of the axles and fit comfortably into the wheel hub.

Main symptoms of a failing wheel bearing include:

- Grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion: The noise is normally heard when turning or when there is a shift in load.

- Humming, rumbling, or growling: The noise or vibration is present when driving in a straight line but builds up when turning the steering wheel slightly to the left or right. Typically, the side opposite the rumbling is the defective side.

- Wheel vibration and/or wobble: Usually indicates the loss of clamp or a bearing with extreme mechanical damage. It also can occur when lug nuts are not properly torqued.

Get your Ford Focus Wheel Bearing replacement HERE

 

BRAKE CALIPER

Brake calipers are a component of the braking system. The brake caliper (with a piston (or pistons) inside) is the component that presses the brake pads onto the brake disc.

Main symptoms of a failing Brake Caliper include:

- Vehicle pulls to one side: If the piston(s) in one of the front wheel brake calipers freezes up because of dirt, debris, or corrosion, the brake pads will either fail to come in contact with the rotor or they will fail to release the rotor.

- Squealing or metallic rubbing noise: Unlike the noises related to worn brake pads (which occur when the brake pedal is pressed), this symptom is likely to be heard when the brakes are not being used. If ignored for too long, the brakes     could lock up completely and prevent the wheel from turning.

- Uneven brake pad wear: If a caliper is bad, chances are that the brake pads will wear unevenly. If you notice that the brake pads have worn thinner on one side of the vehicle than the other, the caliper is likely at fault.

- Leaking brake fluid: Because a brake caliper functions as the result of hydraulic pressure, any weak spots in the system can leak hydraulic oil (brake fluid). A wet, oily spot on the ground inside the tyre can be an indication of a leaky caliper.

- Clunking sound: In rare cases, a caliper bracket that holds the caliper in place could break and cause a loud clunking sound. This could result with brakes locking up at that wheel. The vehicle should not be driven if this happens.

Get your replacement brake caliper HERE

 

SUSPENSION DROP LINK

There are many names for suspension drop links: link rods, stabiliser rods, stabiliser links, or anti-roll bar links.

Anti-roll bar drop links are short connecting rods that link your vehicle’s anti-roll bar to the suspension wishbones or shock absorbers. The responsibility of keeping your car stable and handling smoothly under diverse driving conditions falls on the suspension drop link.

Main symptoms of a failing Suspension Drop Links include:

- You recently hit a pothole or a curb: Deteriorating road quality and speed humps are the main reason for failing drop links. If one wheel drops into a pothole the link rod is subjected to a massive shock loading. If you find your vehicle has developed a new shake in the steering wheel, noises when turning or other below symptoms, replace the part right away.

- Unresponsive steering: Worn drop links can make your steering wheel feel loose and cause degraded handling performance. You may also experience excessive "play" in the wheel.

- Clunking noises and shaking: These sounds are caused by drop links that are starting to wear out. As they wear, they can start to come loose and rattle around at the joints and linkages.

Get your replacement suspension drop link HERE

 

WING MIRROR

Wing Mirrors are prone to damage - with many drivers having to park their cars on the road or shared car parks, passing cars driven carelessly or squeezing through places we were not supposed to fit through, wing mirrors can be easily broken, smashed or removed completely.

In accordance with the Construction and Use Regulations set out in 1986, all vehicles first used after the 1st of August 1978, must have at least two mirrors that offer an adequate view to the rear of the vehicle.

At Energized Customs we sell complete wing mirror replacements but also wing mirror glass and covers separately.

Find your wing mirror replacement HERE

 

The Ford Focus has been esteemed as the best all-rounder in its class since its launch in 1998.

For stylish yet functional design united with great economy and an engaging driving experience, the Focus Mk2 continues to impress today.

We hope this guide will help you to understand your four-wheeled friend better. We have an extensive range of replacement car parts for the Ford Focus Mk2. Also, its always good to make sure you have engine oil for your ford as this can increase the longevity in most of its motor parts.

If there’s anything you can’t find on our page – don’t hesitate to contact us via helpme@energizedcustoms.co.uk. We might be able to help you anyway. We thrive to offer you the best service. We offer free shipping on all car spare parts orders.