Touring Suspension

[dutd33]

I have a 2012 Hatch SEL and I noticed the suspension is kinda stiff in comparison to a SEL sedan that I drove back in the summer time. I was doing some research and I noticed that the 2013s offer a "touring suspension" as per Ford's website under the equipment summary if you go through their website on the last page.

I was wondering if this "stiffness" (basically I feel every bump in the road and I'm not sure if it was designed that way or if it's because of the 17" polished alloy wheels) or if Ford received customer feedback and started offering a touring suspension to make things more comfy for the driver.

Thanks.

[Sponsor]

[Zillon]

The touring suspension is actually supposed to be sportier/stiffer than the standard suspension.

[thisisbenji]

If there's a wheel size difference that might be what your feeling.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by dutd33

I have a 2012 Hatch SEL and I noticed the suspension is kinda stiff in comparison to a SEL sedan that I drove back in the summer time. I was doing some research and I noticed that the 2013s offer a "touring suspension" as per Ford's website under the equipment summary if you go through their website on the last page.

I was wondering if this "stiffness" (basically I feel every bump in the road and I'm not sure if it was designed that way or if it's because of the 17" polished alloy wheels) or if Ford received customer feedback and started offering a touring suspension to make things more comfy for the driver.

Thanks.

Hi dutd,

The touring suspension does differ from the standard suspension, and as suggested below, the handling may be affected by your wheels as well. However, if your vehicle is handling in a way that feels unusual to you, you should have your dealer inspect so they can identify any potential concerns. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me via PM.

Originally Posted by Zillon

The touring suspension is actually supposed to be sportier/stiffer than the standard suspension.

Originally Posted by thisisbenji

If there's a wheel size difference that might be what your feeling.

Great info, folks!

Have an awesome weekend,
Crystal

[focusstu]

From what I have read, the suspension struts, shocks, and springs for all 2012 Foci are the same, except for the Titanium Handling Package. Some of the upper level models with the larger wheels have aluminum lower front control arms instead of steel.

If you go to the fordparts.com website and check part numbers, I think you will find that the part numbers for these components are identical, except for the Ti Handling Package.

The wheel and tire package can cause a difference.

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by focusstu

From what I have read, the suspension struts, shocks, and springs for all 2012 Foci are the same, except for the Titanium Handling Package. Some of the upper level models with the larger wheels have aluminum lower front control arms instead of steel.

If you go to the fordparts.com website and check part numbers, I think you will find that the part numbers for these components are identical, except for the Ti Handling Package.

The wheel and tire package can cause a difference.

That wasn't exactly true either, there was at least three different levels of struts/ springs in 2012. The S, SE non sport, and SEL were supposed to be built with the standard suspension (softest damping and springs). The SE sport and base Ti have the touring suspension with slightly firmer damping and stiffer springs. The Ti with handling package was supposed to have the 18" pilot sport 3 tires as well as the third tier of suspension that was a little bit firmer still. Now how much of this really makes a large difference will depend on the driver more than the car at this point.

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by focusstu

From what I have read, the suspension struts, shocks, and springs for all 2012 Foci are the same, except for the Titanium Handling Package.

Noooo... Maybe right now? But definitely not at the beginning of production. I'd have to dig up the thread... it was pretty intense.

[focusstu]

I believe that the 2012 SE Sport package also has the same spring and strut part numbers. The only difference is the wheels and the aluminum lower arms. I was not a Focus owner near the beginning of production, so all my info and research comes from the last 4 or 5 months.

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by kam327

This was posted in another thread a while back. The SE Sport and Ti have "touring" suspensions. The SE and SEL have "standard" suspensions. Only the Ti w/ 18's has the "handling" suspension.


This is compiled from checking dealer inventory VINs in Etis, parts lists from Fordparts.com, and information from other posters. It is interesting to see how the different models are packaged. It also makes me wonder if there are errors in Etis. For example, I don't see the "MD" rear springs being used with any model, but I expected them to be used on the Titanium with 18" wheels. Also, the SE Sport uses the S rear springs?

There is no difference between hatch and sedan suspensions.
All models use the same stabilizer bars - 23.5mm front and 19mm rear.
Both suspension packages use standard brake calipers and pads.
There are two different front lower control arms - one for the S model (15" wheels) and one for all other models (16", 17" and I assume 18" wheels).
Front suspension knuckles are the same, but different rear (I think) suspension knuckles for 18" wheels.

S
6 x 15" Steel Wheels
standard suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-NF* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-NF* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NF* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NF* Right Rr Coil Spring

SE
With 6.5J X 16" Steel Wheel
standard suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-NG* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-NG* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NG* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NG* Right Rr Coil Spring

SE - sport package
7 X 16" Alloy ET 50MM Style 2
touring suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-NG* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-NG* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NF* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NF* Right Rr Coil Spring

SEL
7 X 16" Alloy Wheels
standard suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-NG* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-NG* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NG* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NG* Right Rr Coil Spring

Titanium
7J X 17" Style 5 Alloy Wheel
touring suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-NG* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-NG* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NG* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NG* Right Rr Coil Spring

Titanium - 18" alloy wheels
8 X 18 ET 55MM Alloy Style 2
With Handling Suspension (shocks)
• BV61-5310-MD* Left Front Coil
• BV61-5310-MD* Right Front Coil
• BV61-5560-NG* Left Rear Coil Spring
• BV61-5560-NG* Right Rr Coil Spring

I'm not sure how much truth this still holds seeing as it was posted over 6 months ago and compiled from data that was even older...

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...0-NG%2A&page=8

[cobie56]

Originally Posted by PratoN

I'm not sure how much truth this still holds seeing as it was posted over 6 months ago and compiled from data that was even older...

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...0-NG%2A&page=8

does the SEL with the 17" wheels have the standard suspension as the SEL with 16" wheels or is the standard suspension only w/ 16" wheels. When the SEL is upgraded to 17" wheels does it get the same suspension as the Ti w/ 17" wheels?

I see by your chart that the TI is broken down into two categories... with 17" wheels and with 18" wheels..