[hamiltonfighter]

My Focus is a 2001 Wagon with 224k miles. Had the whole front suspension replaced in June. Also replaced the rear shocks. There is still something out of whack with the rear suspension. On the rural highway I take to work there is play or wobble from the rear end when going through curves in the road. Could this be from the springs needing replaced? The whole reason that set me off on fixing the suspension was one of the front springs failing by loosing its integrity.



Here are some choices for rear wagon springs:
MOOG CC881
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1003691&cc=1385524

ACDELCO 45H3129
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=925541&cc=1385524

 

[sailor]

More likely a bushing problem.

Feeling funky when turning (or even straight when it gets bad) is usually a sacked bushing in front or rear lower arms.

They're locked in as part of the arm, best to replace the entire arm for normal driver duty (only repl. bushings are Poly for performance, not good for average DD)

 

[pasta]

I agree^^^^^^

 

[onlycodered]

Yeah I'm gonna put my bets on a control arm bushing.

 

[Marde]

Just wanted to add that cheap options are out there. Some might be too cheap and quality/lifespan might be a concern. Here is one brand I might buy in the future;

Raybestos 507-1894 Professional Grade Control Arm Assembly
http://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-507-1894-Professional-Control-Assembly/dp/B00B8KI5E4


Edit: Holy-cow these Dorman's are $$cheap - at Amazon but Amazon is not the seller.
Dorman 521-411 Control Arm
$37.08 & FREE Shipping

 

[hamiltonfighter]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I was looking at the rear lower control arms on Rockauto.com and they show two different listings for the part. MOOG Part # FDTC7260 and MOOG Part # FDTC7260P. With "P" making it different somehow. Does anyone now what the difference is?

Also, is there a rear upper control arm on the wagon? Should I get an adjustable model? MOOG Part # K100002

 

[sailor]

Can't confirm anything on the Moog part numbers, I'd prev. see where they sometimes have a "problem saver" version that's supposed to be an improved item.

front lower arms can cause the issue as well, both front & rear control toe, and any wiggle can make the rear end squirrelly.

Adjustable uppers would be good for a Wagon, as the Wagon tends to have too much rear camber. (replacement arms from Ford or adjustable bolts have been used)

 

[gfoote]

There is some confusion over REAR front lower arms, and lower control arms. They are not the same parts, and seller calls them the wrong name.
(On Amazon) Dorman 521-416 Control Arm
Sold by: Car Part Kings
This part is the dog bone shaped " lower front arm "(Ford name) with a bushing on each end. I did both sides. Also shocks and sway bar links. Then tires and line up. WHAT A BIG DIFFERENCE! First off, check the bearings. My left rear was very loose and I replaced it before anything else.
Down side: I can't believe that the bracket on the frame is about 2 inches out of line with the one on the control arm. I had to twist the arm with a big crescent wrench(it didn't bend) and could have used a helper to put in the bolt at the same time. Its like this part is making up for a major mistake in the design. The old one was very twisted, and so is the new. The bushings take a real beating just from the extreme pressure when in place. It's no wonder they crap out. It just doesn't seem right.

 

[sailor]

Angles change as the suspension moves, full drop is an extreme position.