2014 Fiesta ST
Discussion
Thanks for the tyre recommendations.
The dealer called me and advised Bridgestone no longer make this tyre size, offered Dunlops (2 for €250 incl.) and some others... I asked them to price the Michelin PS4s and I'll see how they quote: I reckon they'll want €300 for 2, fitted and balanced.
The dealer called me and advised Bridgestone no longer make this tyre size, offered Dunlops (2 for €250 incl.) and some others... I asked them to price the Michelin PS4s and I'll see how they quote: I reckon they'll want €300 for 2, fitted and balanced.
A few weeks have passed and I'm still driving with my winter wheels and tyres. The dealer contacted me to tell me the wheels were ready and 2 Michelin PS4 have been fitted.
I went to collect them today; I'll fit them myself at the weekend with new shiny wheelnuts as the dealer has a habit of ruining the standard Ford ones and then charging for replacements at services or seasonal change overs...... anywaaaaaay ....
Good news and bad news.
Bad news:
The wheels have been repainted and they look OK, not a perfect job. Then I noticed they'd damaged one of the rims when fitting the tyre. FFS.
The service receptionist was really apologetic, asking if they should take them back again. I was cool with him, and just put them in my car. It's not his fault. I signed for my wheels and he wished me a good weekend.
Good news:
They didn't ask me to pay for the tyres, so that's a (discounted) €250 saved!
I wonder if they'll send me an invoice? It's usually pay before you leave.
I went to collect them today; I'll fit them myself at the weekend with new shiny wheelnuts as the dealer has a habit of ruining the standard Ford ones and then charging for replacements at services or seasonal change overs...... anywaaaaaay ....
Good news and bad news.
Bad news:
The wheels have been repainted and they look OK, not a perfect job. Then I noticed they'd damaged one of the rims when fitting the tyre. FFS.
The service receptionist was really apologetic, asking if they should take them back again. I was cool with him, and just put them in my car. It's not his fault. I signed for my wheels and he wished me a good weekend.
Good news:
They didn't ask me to pay for the tyres, so that's a (discounted) €250 saved!
I wonder if they'll send me an invoice? It's usually pay before you leave.
Following others' recommendations, I've ordered,
- rear caliper sliders (noticed mine were pretty crap when I changed the discs and pads last Autumn)
- rear hatch struts (I've banged my head more than once on the slow opening boot lid!)
- K&N air filter
That's EUR 80 delivered
Need to get a paint match for the wheel damaged by the dealer, and I'll have a rattle can made up to do that myself. It's <2cm on the edge of the rim. I'm just peed off as they clearly didn't care about the wheels, despite having repaired them at their cost. My car won't be going back there, and I won't buy from them again.
- rear caliper sliders (noticed mine were pretty crap when I changed the discs and pads last Autumn)
- rear hatch struts (I've banged my head more than once on the slow opening boot lid!)
- K&N air filter
That's EUR 80 delivered
Need to get a paint match for the wheel damaged by the dealer, and I'll have a rattle can made up to do that myself. It's <2cm on the edge of the rim. I'm just peed off as they clearly didn't care about the wheels, despite having repaired them at their cost. My car won't be going back there, and I won't buy from them again.
20 minutes* on Fri evening after work and I replaced both boot struts, so the boot now rises quickly and to the end of the strut reach (no more braining myself on the edge of the boot!), and I switched over from the standard (3" deep?) FoMoCo air filter to a new K&N. A few more *whoosh* noises when acclerating.
OK make that* really 30 minutes by the time I'd watched a couple of "how to" on You Tube.
Just the caliper slider pins to do now.
Winter wheels (Fiesta Titanium style 16" alloys) will be off for a refurb / new colour in a week or so. They'll be a metallic dark grey, matt finish. The fella who's organised this for me before is on holiday until next week, as are most of the truckers who drive to / from Portugal, where all these wheels usually go to be refinished.
OK make that* really 30 minutes by the time I'd watched a couple of "how to" on You Tube.
Just the caliper slider pins to do now.
Winter wheels (Fiesta Titanium style 16" alloys) will be off for a refurb / new colour in a week or so. They'll be a metallic dark grey, matt finish. The fella who's organised this for me before is on holiday until next week, as are most of the truckers who drive to / from Portugal, where all these wheels usually go to be refinished.
Shame on me: I still haven't replaced the calliper slider pins.
Contrôle Technique (MOT) is up next month, so I'll sort those beforehand.
When I had my winter wheels put on at the beginning of December, the guy at the tyre place showed me my left side handbrake wasn't working properly, so the handbrake needs adjusting again. I suspect the adjuster nut underneath the handbrake trim has loosened itself, not for the first time.
Time to pull the trim up, adjust the handbrake, and put some Loctite Threadlock on there to stop it happening again.
This + new slider pins will certainly resolve the issue.
The car will be 8 years old next month and is currently on 71,300km / 44,300 mi., so still quite low!
Contrôle Technique (MOT) is up next month, so I'll sort those beforehand.
When I had my winter wheels put on at the beginning of December, the guy at the tyre place showed me my left side handbrake wasn't working properly, so the handbrake needs adjusting again. I suspect the adjuster nut underneath the handbrake trim has loosened itself, not for the first time.
Time to pull the trim up, adjust the handbrake, and put some Loctite Threadlock on there to stop it happening again.
This + new slider pins will certainly resolve the issue.
The car will be 8 years old next month and is currently on 71,300km / 44,300 mi., so still quite low!
With Controle Technique (MoT) booked for tomorrow morning, and knowing my handbrake wasn't functioning as it should, my mate Richard & I finally changed the caliper slider pins yesterday that I bought ages ago.
The left side handbrake mechanism had seized, so with a lot of wiggling, some WD40 and a the change of the caliper pins, it's functioning now. A quick check of the pads showed the pins were overdue a change as they've worn unevenly.
The right side handbrake was working fine, and one caliper pin needed to be wiggled / hammered out, showing how crappy it was, but they too were replaced quite quickly.
All sorted now.
I think the car is on 73k km after 8 years, so perhaps 9k or 10k km in the past year.
I'm not going to waste good money at the stealer now given the wheel damage / repair debacle. I'll do stuff myself as much as I can.
Has anyone changed a handbrake cable on a Fiesta of this era? It seems to disappear behind the heat shield above the exhaust. I've a feeling it's a €15 part and a day of pain to replace it!
Oh, and those boot struts I replaced a few months ago? They're crap, so I'll order some more!
ETA: I noticed the driver side heated mirror has failed again, too. Last replaced in 2018. I wonder how much they are from Ford vs. Autodoc?
The left side handbrake mechanism had seized, so with a lot of wiggling, some WD40 and a the change of the caliper pins, it's functioning now. A quick check of the pads showed the pins were overdue a change as they've worn unevenly.
The right side handbrake was working fine, and one caliper pin needed to be wiggled / hammered out, showing how crappy it was, but they too were replaced quite quickly.
All sorted now.
I think the car is on 73k km after 8 years, so perhaps 9k or 10k km in the past year.
I'm not going to waste good money at the stealer now given the wheel damage / repair debacle. I'll do stuff myself as much as I can.
Has anyone changed a handbrake cable on a Fiesta of this era? It seems to disappear behind the heat shield above the exhaust. I've a feeling it's a €15 part and a day of pain to replace it!
Oh, and those boot struts I replaced a few months ago? They're crap, so I'll order some more!
ETA: I noticed the driver side heated mirror has failed again, too. Last replaced in 2018. I wonder how much they are from Ford vs. Autodoc?
Edited by RC1807 on Thursday 10th February 17:25
Cheers - lower KM on the car than I thought. 4
It's done 7k km in the last year.
Passed the annual test on Monday with an advisory for my front fog lights aiming too low..... looks like there's been a "parking incident" without me noticing. The bumper's out of alignment, so the fog lights are too.
Another verbal comment at the annual test: "rusty rear discs" ... yeah, around the circumference where there's zero contact. The rear disc faces are rust free since I replaced the slider pins.
It's done 7k km in the last year.
Passed the annual test on Monday with an advisory for my front fog lights aiming too low..... looks like there's been a "parking incident" without me noticing. The bumper's out of alignment, so the fog lights are too.
Another verbal comment at the annual test: "rusty rear discs" ... yeah, around the circumference where there's zero contact. The rear disc faces are rust free since I replaced the slider pins.
Winter to Summer wheels / tyres changes over today at 72,932km.
2 Summer tyres needed changing today as they were OEM Bridgestones from end 2013. They still had 4mm on them, but were classed as being "too old" for safety.
This was all booked with the tyre shop via an emailed weblink, where I could choose which tyres I wanted and book my appointment.
I opted for 2 x Michelin PS5.
I arrived at the tyre place this morning for a 09:24 appointment, was up on the ramps at 09:20, and back out of the door by 09:40!
Winter wheels off, tyres scanned for tread depth. They'll be blast washed and put in storage for 6 months.
Summer wheels on with 2 PS5 fitted.
EUR424 total, which is good value, locally.
With winter / summer change overs, and front / rear diagonal switches each season, means the last 2 OEM Bridgestones lasted 40,421km.
2 Summer tyres needed changing today as they were OEM Bridgestones from end 2013. They still had 4mm on them, but were classed as being "too old" for safety.
This was all booked with the tyre shop via an emailed weblink, where I could choose which tyres I wanted and book my appointment.
I opted for 2 x Michelin PS5.
I arrived at the tyre place this morning for a 09:24 appointment, was up on the ramps at 09:20, and back out of the door by 09:40!
Winter wheels off, tyres scanned for tread depth. They'll be blast washed and put in storage for 6 months.
Summer wheels on with 2 PS5 fitted.
EUR424 total, which is good value, locally.
With winter / summer change overs, and front / rear diagonal switches each season, means the last 2 OEM Bridgestones lasted 40,421km.
Had the reminder to book an appointment to book the fitting of winter wheels and tyres yesterday.
I feared the worst, and it came true....4
The recommendation is for all 4 tyres to be replaced this year, not due to tread depth - they're all still >5mm (original winters from new in 2014), and winter tyres are still good at 4mm - but because of the tyres' ages. They're dated 2013.
Part of the appointment booking system allowed me to select which new winter tyres I wanted (opted for 4 x Vredestein Wintrac FSL XL this time, in 195/45/16/84H guise.). Fitted, balanced, and with my summer wheels washed and put in storage for the next 6 months, that'll be EUR603.00, please.
Appointment's set for 31/10/2022 at 09:24 precisely. They'll need 20 minutes.
I feared the worst, and it came true....4
The recommendation is for all 4 tyres to be replaced this year, not due to tread depth - they're all still >5mm (original winters from new in 2014), and winter tyres are still good at 4mm - but because of the tyres' ages. They're dated 2013.
Part of the appointment booking system allowed me to select which new winter tyres I wanted (opted for 4 x Vredestein Wintrac FSL XL this time, in 195/45/16/84H guise.). Fitted, balanced, and with my summer wheels washed and put in storage for the next 6 months, that'll be EUR603.00, please.
Appointment's set for 31/10/2022 at 09:24 precisely. They'll need 20 minutes.
Arrived at the tyre place at 0905 for an 0924 appointment.
Checked in and up on the ramps by 0908
Drove out at 0917!
WIN!
Talking to a mate at the weekend, he's trying to get me to "do a Kaveney", strip it out and keep it for track use, with Spa and the Nurburgring both pretty close, then getting something slower for my daughters to drive around in.
Checked in and up on the ramps by 0908
Drove out at 0917!
WIN!
Talking to a mate at the weekend, he's trying to get me to "do a Kaveney", strip it out and keep it for track use, with Spa and the Nurburgring both pretty close, then getting something slower for my daughters to drive around in.
Edited by RC1807 on Monday 31st October 15:58
t, I bumped the front of mine last week. There was a wooden frame around the base of a tree in a car park, and I couldn't see it. New front bumper required. 
Crazy Luxembourg prices means I run the risk of my car being written off.
Appointment at the body shop on 19 December for the Insurance Assessor to review and approve or reject the repair cost, likely to be EUR 3k. There's more damage than I thought, including a new right headlight as the mounts broke.
I really hope the car isn't written off for these minor repairs, especially for how low the mileage is and how much I have to pay for my insurance here.
Fingers crossed.
Appointment at the body shop on 19 December for the Insurance Assessor to review and approve or reject the repair cost, likely to be EUR 3k. There's more damage than I thought, including a new right headlight as the mounts broke.
I really hope the car isn't written off for these minor repairs, especially for how low the mileage is and how much I have to pay for my insurance here.
Fingers crossed.
Edited by RC1807 on Wednesday 4th January 10:50
RC1807 said:
Crazy Luxembourg prices means I run the risk of my car being written off.
Appointment at the body shop on 19 December for the Insurance Assessor to review and approve or reject the repair cost, likely to be EUR 3k. There's more damage than I thought, including a new right headlight as the mounts broke.
I really hope the car isn't written off for these minor repairs, especially for how low the mileage is and how much I have to pay for my insurance here.
Fingers crossed.
Car repair was approved by my insurer. Phew. Appointment at the body shop on 19 December for the Insurance Assessor to review and approve or reject the repair cost, likely to be EUR 3k. There's more damage than I thought, including a new right headlight as the mounts broke.
I really hope the car isn't written off for these minor repairs, especially for how low the mileage is and how much I have to pay for my insurance here.
Fingers crossed.
I put the car in on Mon 19th and got it back on 23rd as the bodyshop were closing until the New Year. The new front grille is on back order, so the broken grille is in place for the moment. When they have the part in they'll call me to fit it. They'll need to remove the bumper, they told me, which is good as I'm not happy with the alignment vs. headlights and bonnet at the moment.
Control Technique (local MOT) is due mid Feb, and the car will be 9 years old. I fear I need to replace the troublesome rear brake callipers as the handbrake mechanism vs. piston is a bit iffy. They've been off a few times now to sort it. They're not too expensive to replace from Autodoc at EUR53/side, with a return deposit on the originals of about half that amount. I don't fancy crawling under the car to fit them though....
Rotors and pads are still good, so they'll remain. Just a few extra EUR for some copper grease and a drop of brake fluid needed.
With the car being almost 9 years old, and the handbrake working well (for the moment) off it went to Contrôle Technique - local MoT - today.
It didn't go as planned.
Bummer.
It failed on 2 rear brake related items ....
1. there's rust on the disc surface .. DISC surface, not braking surface
2. handbrake travel was too high - worked OK, but too high
The rear discs and pads were changed at the end of August 2020, and the car's only done 13k km since.
I've now ordered from Autodoc,
- new rear callipers
- new rear discs
- new rear brake pads
- handbrake cable
Ford wanted EUR60 just for the cable.... so I didn't bother asking about the rest!
EUR250 from Autodoc, delivered.
"MoT" retest already booked for 8 Feb so I've time to receive and fit the new parts. It also gives me time, if the new callipers aren't already painted red as they are in the parts advert, to do that, too.
It didn't go as planned.
Bummer.
It failed on 2 rear brake related items ....
1. there's rust on the disc surface .. DISC surface, not braking surface
2. handbrake travel was too high - worked OK, but too high
The rear discs and pads were changed at the end of August 2020, and the car's only done 13k km since.
I've now ordered from Autodoc,
- new rear callipers
- new rear discs
- new rear brake pads
- handbrake cable
Ford wanted EUR60 just for the cable.... so I didn't bother asking about the rest!
EUR250 from Autodoc, delivered.
"MoT" retest already booked for 8 Feb so I've time to receive and fit the new parts. It also gives me time, if the new callipers aren't already painted red as they are in the parts advert, to do that, too.
Autodoc package received today. FINALLY!
I noticed Autodoc reduced the price of some items between order and despatch, and they refunded me some money automatically.
Final cost was EUR218, with EUR50 due back when I send them my old callipers, so it's actually EUR168.
A quick check of the newly received rear callipers, they're actually in different packaging - although I ordered the same label online.
They're refurbed and repainted (red) callipers. (That's one job I won't have to do now.)
One's stamped LUCAS in the casting, so OEM refurb with new pistons, seals and handbrake adjuster. The other's not stamped, and is a slightly different shade of red.
It's not a major deal as I've decided that I'm now likely to get a new annual ticket on 8 Feb (fingers crossed!) and then I'll part ex the ST against a newer (prob. ex demo) and less powerful car. Let's see. More on that as and when.
Copper grease is being delivered tomorrow. I bought some brake fluid too, as I'm sure some will escape and they'll need bleeding.
SATURDAY job then: replacing the rear brakes, again.
Thank goodness for a garage with lights and power, but I'm going to need a fan heater in there as it's only about 5C at the moment.
I noticed Autodoc reduced the price of some items between order and despatch, and they refunded me some money automatically.
Final cost was EUR218, with EUR50 due back when I send them my old callipers, so it's actually EUR168.
A quick check of the newly received rear callipers, they're actually in different packaging - although I ordered the same label online.
They're refurbed and repainted (red) callipers. (That's one job I won't have to do now.)
One's stamped LUCAS in the casting, so OEM refurb with new pistons, seals and handbrake adjuster. The other's not stamped, and is a slightly different shade of red.
It's not a major deal as I've decided that I'm now likely to get a new annual ticket on 8 Feb (fingers crossed!) and then I'll part ex the ST against a newer (prob. ex demo) and less powerful car. Let's see. More on that as and when.
Copper grease is being delivered tomorrow. I bought some brake fluid too, as I'm sure some will escape and they'll need bleeding.
SATURDAY job then: replacing the rear brakes, again.
Thank goodness for a garage with lights and power, but I'm going to need a fan heater in there as it's only about 5C at the moment.
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