My Fiesta RST developed a problem last week where it felt loose when cornering and backing off from high speeds.
I had the suspension arm replaced as there was play on the passenger side arm. However, they did not do a wheel alignment check but assured me it should be okay as they didn't need to move anything other than swapping the arm.

The car feels better, but it's still unstable and not very balanced when driving. Feels loose and vague. Anyone else had this? Everything else feels okay, shocks and springs are okay, bushes all seem good...

The inner edges of the tyres at the front are slightly more worn but that's due to the worn arm that was replaced I think.

Would an alignment solve my problem, or could it be anything else, going by your own personal experiences?

Not enjoying the fiesta right now, and want it back to its best. Wheels are 16" with Toyo proxy tyres all round

Thanks.

 

If the arm has been changed, chances are the alignment will be out. Were the genuine Ford arms as the FRST ones are unique and pattern ones are not available (last time I looked). I would also change them as a pair.

Check the arm fitted is correct, if it's good get the alignment done.

 

Who replaced the arm and was it definatley the right one. Had this on my dads FRST and the arms we put on were a couple of mm to long

 

I work at a Ford main dealer, and they were fitted here. The part was paternity but bought from a trusted local supplier, it measured the same as the old one. The part number was unique for the RS model too, but the tracking wasn't checked as I say but was assured it'd be okay.

 

Sorted, swapped back wheels to front and also the front toe in was completely out, so had this adjusted and the car drives amazingly well now! Thanks for all the replies/advice etc.

 

You can get a free tracking check in most garages now adays anyways, so worth a look, setup and geometery is normally the culprit if not then it normally comes down to play and in extreme cases the chassis being bent if it has be pranged or whatever

 

lesson learnt there chris never trust someones opinion always make sure the job is done right, both arms and tracking is a must