Not much help but.... I can tell you that my 2004 is 30mm

 

If your drum retainer nut is Ford part number YS4Z-3B477-AA, then it is 30mm. Happen to have 2 new ones in packages, waiting for me <yawn> ... maybe this weekend.

 

Replaced me rear drums/bearings three days ago... mk1 is a 30mm.

 

Thank's All. Looks like i will be going for the 30mm then. whats the betting the bloody drum will not come off.

 

The nut should not be secured tightly and you should not need a socket to put muscle into it. Just a crescent wrench will do. The nut holds everything against everything else and then the castle nut and cotter pin keep the nut from backing off. Tightening the nut would bind the bearings and wear them out real quick.

Make sure you rotate the drum as you snug up the nut again when you put everything back together. The first time you want to seat everything together well, then just snug it up so that everything (bearings, races, washer) are all together several times, backing off the nut between each effort. Then the last time snug the nut up just enough to hold everything against each other, not tightened tegether, and then put the castle nut back on and insert the cotter pin.

Whatever you do, do NOT crank the nut tight. You will be replacing bearings by next fall or winter........winter is more likely since the snow will be flying which makes it harder to work on the car.



Steve

 

umm i would torque the nut to the proper spec. not just "snug it all up"

under and over torquing are bad and will ruin bearings

 

Unless pads are grooved into the drum, OFF should not be a problem. Get a mallet for love taps.

Going ON can be tricky dependent on new or old pads/drums. Learn how to adjust the auto-adjuster before putting the drum on.

 

I detest those adjusters. I had a 1999 Escort ZX2 and while looking for the "adjusters" for the rear drums (as they had ALWAYS BEEN CALLED) I learned they are termed "lever." I was looking for a new one and could not find "Adjuster" at any autoparts store. I got the lever from Ford. Too expensive of course.


Steve

 

US Focus doesn't use a castle nut.... If you just simply "snug it", the drum will come off going down the road.

@Marde - there are no pads on drum brakes. They use shoes. It's not uncommon for the bearing to seize to the spindle.

@thenorm - torque value, as per the 03 Focus service manual
Wheel hub retaining nut - 173 lb/ft
That's one tight nut if properly torque'd.....

 

@Marde - there are no pads on drum brakes. They use shoes. It's not uncommon for the bearing to seize to the spindle.

Yes Sir... my bad. I said "pads" only because I suffer from Many Brain Fart Moments Disease (MBFMD). I know those drum shoes very well and it is also why I posted comments and the pic of my auto-adjuster earlier today. Please remember my name and be prepared to help me again during my MBFMD symptoms. Drum brake pads! ahh!!! See I did it again! -er... Please help or compensate for my ailments. Thx!

Shoes are pads! See i did it again! Sorry, I will get another pill.

 

Buildist (Steve) - sorry, those are great instructions for tapered roller bearings on other cars - not the type used on the rear of the Focus.

Focus uses a "cassette" style bearing assembly with ball bearings inside, and the rear axle nut requires a high torque to be seated properly.

 

I'll remember MBFMD if I can, CRS (can't remember S) has it's effects at times....

 

Thanks to all for replys and picture most helpfull.

thenorm are your sure your talking about the Mk1 focus, there is no cotter pin. and you can only get at the nut via a socket spanner!.

 

Thanks to all for replys and picture most helpfull.

thenorm are your sure your talking about the Mk1 focus, there is no cotter pin. and you can only get at the nut via a socket spanner!.