Ford Focus --- Shocks replacement

[zetland76]

My car is a Focus 1.6 hatchback 2002 model about 65000 miles.
How easy is it to change the shocks. According to the Haynes Manual the rears are a "2 Spanner" job but the fronts are a "3 Spanner". I guess this is because the spring is integral.
Any pitfalls? Any bits to hit with a big hammer? Any levering and persuasion? The bits the manuals don't tell you!!

Thanks

Mike

 

[Spark123]

I'm thinking it would be a lot safer to take it to a garage - if it is anything like the mondeo the springs are pretty well tensioned up!
Garages should have something to take the tenstion out of the spring so when you undo the nut on the top of the shocker it doesn't take your arm off.

 

[Alastairreid]

i have the focus saloon which required 2 front suspension springs just after xmas £144.
the garage had to do the job as the springs have to be tensioned up to get them bolted into place.
apparently this is the cause of a fair amount of diy car repair accidents due to the tensioning of the springs prior to fitting.
take care.

 

[Stivino]

Compressing the springs is required prior to removal.
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/45986/Van-Car-Accessories/Mechanics-Tools/Coil-Spring-Compressor-Kit

 

[zetland76]

Thanks for the replies. I realised about the dangers of compressed springs and I would definitely buy the proper compression tools as recommended by Stivino.

Thanks

 

[Burnerman]

In no way can you remove these springs before compressing them first, but a tip is to slacken - but definitely not remove - the central top nut before the strut is taken from the car. With the strut on the bench, you must compress the springs fully with your spring compressors before removing the central nut.

 

[Spark123]

Personally I'd avoid using those spring clamps - the ones my mate has have a tendancy to slip.