Corroded bolts on MK1 Focus
Discussion
Can anyone tell me the size/type of the bolt or nut that is marked by the arrow in the photo? There's 2 of them. The photo is the rear underside view of my focus. Can they be replaced using axle stands and a jack or is it a garage job only?
Edited by focusdriver on Saturday 6th September 02:30
Edited by focusdriver on Saturday 6th September 02:31
Most likely the bolts will be seized into the bush, the only way is to cut them out and replace the bush in the arm, or just replace the complete arm and refit with never seez and new bolts, nuts and washers from ford. Then get yourself onto www.alignmycar.co.uk and find someone local to do a full 4 wheel alignment.
k-ink said:
It amazes me car companies think it worthwhile to screw their customers by not fitting stainless steel bolts throughout. The first job to tackle on a restoration!
How many customers care ?Most bolts like the OP has shown will never get undone in the life of the car, most Mk1 Focus's are getting near the end of their useful lives, I am sure most customers would rather pay less for the car rather than a bit extra for stuff they will never need to see.
I am sure home restorers, mechanics and anyone else that wields a spanner would appreciate it but where would the fun of PlusGas, Heat, skinned knuckles, rounded bolts and swearing come from ?
J4CKO said:
k-ink said:
It amazes me car companies think it worthwhile to screw their customers by not fitting stainless steel bolts throughout. The first job to tackle on a restoration!
How many customers care ?Most bolts like the OP has shown will never get undone in the life of the car, most Mk1 Focus's are getting near the end of their useful lives, I am sure most customers would rather pay less for the car rather than a bit extra for stuff they will never need to see.
I am sure home restorers, mechanics and anyone else that wields a spanner would appreciate it but where would the fun of PlusGas, Heat, skinned knuckles, rounded bolts and swearing come from ?
Lets just keep in mind that they aren't just some random bolt that you can get at B&Q, they will have been designed specifically for the purpose, the material the result of metallurgy studies etc.
Stainless steel has different properties, its not often recommended for stress areas such as suspension.
OP leave the bolts alone, just because they look rusty doesn't mean they are dangerous or are going to fail. If the bushes are knackered, fair enough buy some new bolts from Ford - you're wasting your time in scrapyards.
Stainless steel has different properties, its not often recommended for stress areas such as suspension.
OP leave the bolts alone, just because they look rusty doesn't mean they are dangerous or are going to fail. If the bushes are knackered, fair enough buy some new bolts from Ford - you're wasting your time in scrapyards.
Clarkrally said:
Most likely the bolts will be seized into the bush, the only way is to cut them out and replace the bush in the arm, or just replace the complete arm and refit with never seez and new bolts, nuts and washers from ford. Then get yourself onto www.alignmycar.co.uk and find someone local to do a full 4 wheel alignment.
This is the correct reply.Here are the actual pictures of the bolts from my car. The photo in the first post was showing my old car.
I'm quite surprised with a lot of people saying leave them alone or it won't break. They are not surface rusted but actually corroded and I doubt they can be taken off with a socket set, like the old rear anti roll bar links which needed the angle grinder! I'll get an opinion from a garage/mechanic and won't attempt to replace them myself but in the meantime will keep an eye on them. Thanks for all the input.
I'm quite surprised with a lot of people saying leave them alone or it won't break. They are not surface rusted but actually corroded and I doubt they can be taken off with a socket set, like the old rear anti roll bar links which needed the angle grinder! I'll get an opinion from a garage/mechanic and won't attempt to replace them myself but in the meantime will keep an eye on them. Thanks for all the input.
V8covin said:
They're made of steel and exposed to the elements,they're bound to be rusty.
However the parts that you can't see will be fine,they're what,half an inch thick,they won't rust through matey
This. They may be impossible to undo cleanly, but that doesn't mean they're at the point of failure. The mounting point will rust away before the bolts!However the parts that you can't see will be fine,they're what,half an inch thick,they won't rust through matey
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