Replacing the rear suspension stabilizer bar components (Focus 2)

You will need: a 15 mm wrench, a 5 mm Allen key, a 13 mm socket head, and a flat-blade screwdriver.

To replace the stabilizer bar parts of the rear suspension with strutswith ball joints perform the following operations.



1. Loosen the ball joint pin nut while holding the pin from turning.



2. Loosen the nut securing the strut to the suspension crossmember, holding the strut from turning.

NOTE: If it is necessary to replace only the stabilizer struts, then completely unscrew the nuts securing the hinge pins to the stabilizer bar..

NOTE: …press the stabilizer bar down…

NOTE: …and remove the struts.

3. Unscrew two bolts securing the stabilizer brackets…



4. …and remove the stabilizer bar assembly with the struts, cushions and mounting brackets.

5. Unscrew the nuts securing the struts to the rod and remove the struts.



6. Pry it up with a screwdriver…





7. …and remove the stabilizer bar mounting bracket.



8. Release the rubber cushion…



9. …and remove it from the stabilizer bar.



10. Install new cushions and press on the stabilizer mounting brackets.



11. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.

To replace the stabilizer bar parts of the rear suspension with strutswithout ball joints perform the following operations.

1. Remove the springs (see "Replacing the rear suspension spring").



Fig. 7.4. Fastening of the rear suspension stabilizer bar: 1 – stabilizer bar mounting nut; 2 – rubber bushings of the stabilizer strut; 3 – rear suspension cross member; 4 – rear lower arm of the rear suspension; 5 – adjusting washer; 6 – nut of the adjusting bolt of the rear lower arm; 7-crossbar stabilizer bar; 8 – stabilizer bracket mounting bolts; 9 – stabilizer mounting bracket; 10 – stabilizer strut

2. Unscrew nut 1 (Fig. 7.4) securing rack 10, holding it from turning.

3. Unscrew two bolts 8 securing the stabilizer brackets 9 and remove the anti-roll bar rod 7 complete with the struts, cushions and mounting brackets.

4. Remove the rubber bushings 2 from the strut and remove the strut from the stabilizer bar.

5. Remove the stabilizer mounting brackets 9 and the rubber split cushions from the stabilizer bar 7.



6. Install new cushions and press on the stabilizer mounting brackets.





7. Install a 184mm high and 20mm wide spacer between the rear lower control arm and the upper spring plate, jack up the trailing arm to clamp the spacer.

NOTE: This operation must be performed on both sides of the vehicle.

8. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.