Alineacio
Alineacio
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (AT CURB WEIGHT)
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item Specification
Ball Joint Deflection
Lower ball joint 0-0.2 mm (0-0.008 in)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description Nm lb-ft
Tie-rod end jamnut 80 59
Rear lower arm to crossmember cam bolt nut 90 66
Camber
Camber is the vertical tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Camber can be positive or negative and has
a direct effect on tire wear.
Caster
Caster is the deviation from vertical of an imaginary line drawn through the pivot points (top of strut and lower
ball joint), when viewed from the side. The caster specifications in this service information will give the vehicle
the best directional stability characteristics when loaded and driven. The caster setting is not related to tire wear.
The caster setting is not adjustable.
Item Description
1 True vertical
2 Positive caster angle
3 Strut-to-ball joint centerline
4 Pivot centerline
A backward tilt is positive (+) and a forward tilt is negative (-). Front caster adjustment is not a separate
procedure on this vehicle. Front caster should fall within specification when the front camber is adjusted.
Toe
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 2 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
The vehicle toe setting affects tire wear and directional stability.
Wander
Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to
maintain a straight path down a level road.
Shimmy
Shimmy, as experienced by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting
from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.
Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot
holes or irregularities in the road surface.
Nibble
Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road
surfaces and experienced by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel. For wheel and tire
diagnosis, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 3 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
Poor returnability and sticky steering are used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a
turn or steering correction.
Drift/Pull
Pull is a tugging sensation felt by the hands on the steering wheel that must be overcome to keep the vehicle
going straight.
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with the hands off the steering wheel.
l A vehicle-related drift/pull on a flat road causes a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and
requires constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.
l Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (wind or road crown).
Poor groove feel is characterized by little or no buildup of turning effort felt in the steering wheel as the wheel
is rocked slowly left and right within very small turns around center or straight-ahead (under 20 degrees of
steering wheel turn). Effort may be said to be "flat on-center."
l Under 20 degrees of turn, most of the turning effort that builds up comes from the mesh of the gear teeth
in the steering gear. In this range, the steering wheel is not yet turned enough to feel the effort from the
self-aligning forces at the road wheel or tire patch.
l In the diagnosis of a driveability problem, it is important to understand the difference between wander
and poor groove feel.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
l Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage. Install new tires as necessary.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 4 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
l Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, and wheel and tire components (such as
competition or heavy duty). The specifications shown in this service information do not apply to
vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.
5. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported condition is found, correct the cause (if possible) before
proceeding to the next step.
6. If the fault is not visually evident, go to Symptom Chart - Suspension System or Symptom Chart -
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 5 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
GENERAL INFORMATION
article.
l REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM
- GENERAL
l Brake drag
INFORMATION article for
brake system diagnosis.
l Overloaded, unevenly
l NOTIFY the customer of
l Wander or incorrectly loaded
incorrect vehicle loading.
vehicle
l INSPECT the ball joints.
l Ball joint(s) REFER to Ball Joint
Inspection.
l INSTALL a new front strut
l Damaged or missing
mount bearing(s) as necessary.
front strut mount
REFER to FRONT
bearing(s)
SUSPENSION article.
l Loose, worn or l INSPECT the wheel bearings.
damaged front wheel INSTALL new wheel bearings
bearing(s) as necessary.
l INSTALL new suspension
component(s) as necessary.
l Loose, worn or REFER to FRONT
damaged suspension SUSPENSION article for front
component(s) suspension or REAR
SUSPENSION article for rear
suspension.
l INSPECT the suspension
fasteners. TIGHTEN to
specification. REFER to
l Loose suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION
fasteners
article for front suspension or
REAR SUSPENSION article
for rear suspension.
l INSPECT the steering system.
INSTALL new components as
necessary. REFER to
l Steering components
STEERING SYSTEM -
GENERAL INFORMATION
article.
l Wheel alignment l ADJUST as necessary. REFER
(excessive total front to Toe Adjustment - Front or
toe out) Toe Adjustment - Rear.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 6 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 7 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 8 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
NOTE: Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the
diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of
their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND
HARSHNESS article. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be
the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination
type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the
causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION AND
HARSHNESS article for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 9 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
specifications. REFER to
l Clunk - noise from the front FRONT SUSPENSION
suspension, occurs in and out l Loose front suspension article for front suspension or
of turns REAR SUSPENSION article
for rear suspension.
l INSPECT for loose or
l Clunk - noise from the rear damaged rear suspension
suspension, occurs when l Loose rear suspension components. REPAIR or
shifting from REVERSE to components INSTALL new components as
DRIVE necessary. REFER to REAR
SUSPENSION article.
l Click or pop - noise from the l CARRY OUT a ball joint
front suspension. More l Worn or damaged ball inspection. INSTALL new
noticeable over rough roads or joint(s) ball joint(s) or control arm(s)
over bumps as necessary.
l Front suspension
components
l Loose or damaged front
struts, shock absorber
(s) or shock absorber
bushing(s) l INSPECT the front
l Front suspension noise - a
suspension. INSTALL new
squeak, creak or rattle noise. l Damaged spring or
components as necessary.
Occurs mostly over bumps or spring mount(s)
REFER to FRONT
rough roads Damaged or worn
l SUSPENSION article.
control/radius arm
bushing(s)
l Worn or damaged
stabilizer bar bushings
or link(s)
l Loose or damaged rear
shock absorber(s) or
shock absorber bushing
(s)
l Rear suspension noise - a l Damaged spring or l INSPECT the rear suspension.
squeak, creak or rattle noise. spring mount(s) INSTALL new components as
Occurs mostly over bumps or necessary. REFER to REAR
rough roads l Damaged or worn SUSPENSION article.
control arm bushing(s)
l Worn or damaged
stabilizer bar bushing
(s) or link(s)
l REFER to DRIVELINE
l Shudder - occurs during l Incorrect ride height
SYSTEM - GENERAL
acceleration from a slow speed causing incorrect
INFORMATION article for
or stop driveline angle
driveline angle diagnosis.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 10 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 11 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
Component Tests
1. Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Install a new wheel bearing as
necessary. Refer to Wheel Bearing Inspection.
2. Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
3. Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
l If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint as necessary. Refer to FRONT
SUSPENSION article.
NOTE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or
suspension components while checking for relative movement.
Suspension damage may occur. The use of tools or equipment will also
create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force.
Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.
4. Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the
lower control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower
arm at the lower ball joint.
l If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
5. To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower
control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 12 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
6. Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the lower control arm,
by hand.
l If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new ball joint must be installed. Refer to FRONT
SUSPENSION article.
l If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.
GENERAL PROCEDURES
RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 13 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is positioned on a flat, level surface and the tires are
inflated to the correct pressure. Vehicle should have a full tank of fuel.
1. Position the surface gauge on the same flat, level surface as used in Step 1, adjust the gauge's arm until
the scriber point is located in the center of the lower arm forward bolt.
l Lock the surface gauge in this position.
2. With the surface gauge positioned on a flat, level surface, record the measurement of the surface gauge
position (measurement A).
3. Position a suitable surface gauge (such as Starrett 57D Surface Gauge), on a flat, level surface and adjust
the gauge's arm until the scriber point is located in the center of the ball joint bolt.
l Lock the surface gauge in this position.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 14 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
4. With the surface gauge positioned on a flat, level surface, record the measurement of the surface gauge
position (measurement B).
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 15 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is positioned on a flat, level surface and the tires are
inflated to the correct pressure. Vehicle should have a full tank of fuel.
1. Measure the distance between the flat level surface and the forward lower arm inboard bolt (measurement
A).
2. Measure the distance between the flat level surface and the center of the forward lower arm outboard bolt
(measurement B).
3. Subtract measurement B from measurement A to obtain the rear ride height.
l Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
1. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the rear camber.
NOTE: If the rear camber is below the minimum specification, the camber can be
adjusted +1.0 degree by replacing the upper arm with an upper arm repair
kit (3S4Z-1A154-AA).
2. Replace the upper arm with the +1.0 degree camber upper arm repair kit. For additional information, refer
to REAR SUSPENSION article.
3. Recheck alignment to verify camber change and adjust the toe if necessary.
1. Using a suitable steering wheel holding device, lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
2. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the toe.
3. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 16 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 17 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
1. Jounce the vehicle to make sure that the suspension is in its normal resting position.
2. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the toe.
3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING
AND LIFTING article.
4. Loosen the rear lower arm adjustment cam nut.
5. Adjust the toe setting by rotating the nut and eccentric washer.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 18 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
Fig. 18: Rotating Nut And Eccentric Washer For Toe Setting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Tighten the rear lower arm adjustment cam nut to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
SPECIAL TOOLS
Illustration Tool Name Tool Number
100-D004 (D78P-4201-F) or
Dial Indicator Gauge Brackets
equivalent
100-D005 (D78P-4201-G) or
Dial Indicator Gauge
equivalent
1. Road test the vehicle on a smooth road. Make sharp turns to the right and left.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 19 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
2009 Ford Focus SES
2009 GENERAL INFORMATION Suspension System - General Information - Focus
l Installation of a new front LH wheel bearing may be required if the vehicle makes abnormal noises
on right turns.
l Installation of a new front RH wheel bearing may be required if the vehicle makes noises on left
turns.
l If front wheel bearing noise is heard on either right or left turns, the wheel hub and front wheel
bearing assembly on the side with the most noise should be inspected.
2. Remove the front brake caliper anchor plate. For additional information, refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE
article.
3. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
NOTE: Be careful not to confuse lower arm ball joint looseness with bearing
looseness.
4. Check for loose front wheel bearings by rocking the wheels at the top and bottom.
5. Spin the wheel quickly by hand and make sure the wheel turns smoothly without noise from the front
wheel bearings.
6. Position the special tools against the wheel hub, then have an assistant grasp the tire at the top and bottom
and move the wheel inward and outward.
7. Measure and record the end play of the front wheel bearings. There should be no end play.
8. If end play exists, install new front wheel bearings. For additional information, refer to FRONT
SUSPENSION article.
miércoles, 3 de abril de 2024 19:37:48 Page 20 © 2011 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.