CaPo

Finally got round to installing my eibach springs all round and taking the car for a blast at the weekend. Differences in the drive are subtle, but well worthwhile. Ride isnt any harsher, changes direction quicker and the dive under braking has gone. The back end also seems a bit more lively
I have noticed a few times though, late braking into corners, I can hear rubbing from the outside front, or both sides if going over some compressions in the road.
I assumed it would be from the arches, or possibly the front bumper scuffing the deck, but after having a look I cant see any evidence of where the contact is occuring. Any ideas?

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

What wheels are on it?

CaPo

Standard wheels, Kumho 215/45 tyres.

coxyboi

Hi is the rubbing all the time or more so on bumps or on bends
If it's on full lock could be the tracking
If it's on bumps u may need new shocks worth doing even if you go for ford ones, don't go pattern,

coxyboi

Hi is the rubbing all the time or more so on bumps or on bends
If it's on full lock could be the tracking
If it's on bumps u may need new shocks and well worth doing even if you go for ford ones, don't go pattern, not worth it to save a few pound the st parts are quite good but after 10 years, may need changing
If the wheels are rubbing on the shocks its prob the bearings, could also be rubbing the brakes,

Worth checking the brake shield wasn't bent slightly when doing the work use some thing to push it away from the discs at the underside,

coxyboi

Hi is the rubbing all the time or more so on bumps or on bends
If it's on full lock could be the tracking
If it's on bumps u may need new shocks and well worth doing even if you go for ford ones, don't go pattern get them from dealer, not worth it to save a few pound the st parts are quite good but after 10 years, may need changing
If the wheels are rubbing on the shocks its prob the bearings, could also be rubbing the brakes,

Worth checking the brake shield wasn't bent slightly when doing the work use some thing to push it away from the discs at the underside,

CaPo

Will need to get a proper look under to see where the rubbing is occuring tbh.
On heavy braking, can hear it from both sides, turning on sharp hairpin type corners it comes from whatever wheel is outside. im talking about some extreme driving on Scottish single track roads here, so im not too worried. Havent heard it any other time.
Im reluctant to think the dampers are shot, the handling and damping seems spot on. Mileage is 55k but still, 10 years old as you say.

caprizetec170

i had same problem on mine turned out be front mudflaps hitting the ground under hard braking cornering

CaPo

Used to get that on my fiesta works van, lol. No mudflaps on the focus.

coxyboi

You lowered on standard eibach pro kit, was the kit new and def for the st? Had the same thing on mine started on hard right handers then under braking and both corners, the shocks seemed fine when checked but when changed seemed to sort it,

CaPo

Yep, brand new st170 kit. Might be the dampers not coping, will maybe upgrade them at some point. Dont see the point in standard replacements, unless they are massively cheaper.
Would rather not do this at all though as I couldnt get them out the hubs when I put the springs on, had to remove the whole hub to fit them.

coxyboi

i found the front easyer to do than the rear that killed most my tools before i had to cut them out lol for the front a big bar big hammer and a leaver are handy spay with wd40 night before, take out pich bolt try leavering the pinch opening a little then wack the f out of it but try to guide it sraight lol, a toque gun can be handy to undo the top nuts think the ford shocks are about Ł50 each, uprated are 3near double or more, Ł90 to Ł200 each

CaPo

Rears should be easy enough, ive already had the dampers undone. Managed to swap the springs by compressing them from the inside then prying them out.
At the front, the pinch bolt wouldnt budge, think it would shear if I tried any harder on it.

coxyboi

know the feeling my fronts wernt to bad i hae the probs with the back ones broke 2 torque renches then the lower strut bolt shired, and it was stiill stuck so solid i could drive it to a garrage and got them to help cut them off had to replace the trailing arms,
just one other thought have you checked the anti roll bars?

CaPo

The droplinks? They were ok when I fitted the springs, but I suppose if they were old and weak, the extra cornering forces now could have destroyed them... Will check.

CaPo

Was under the car today replacing the clutch hydraulic line that goes to the gearbox, so had a look for signs of rubbing.
Seems its coming from the front inside edge of the tyres lightly rubbing the arch liner. Its very thin rubber and I could easily trim a couple of inches off and it would clear, but the tyre has almost rubbed right through it anyway so Ive just left it.