Ford Focus rear struts

[giffy]

I am pretty sure I need to replace the rear struts on a 2001 Ford Focus SE. I seem to be going through rear tires, pressure is correct and car is aligned but the tires are chopping/cupping bad. I have done the brakes and minor things but never have attempted struts.........my question is, are they fairly simple to do or should I save the time and frustration and get them done?

giffy

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GiffsFarm

[Beeman]

I'm not familiar with a Focus strut setup. Generally struts are just shocks with the spring surrounding them. The rear struts probably have a rear alignment adjustment so you will have to mark and measure before disassembly so you get it back where it was. The spring will have to be compressed and removed to replace the strut itself and then reinstalled on the new strut. it takes a special compressor which many auto parts stores have and will swap the springs over for you.

[tiogacounty]

Does your definition of aligned include a four wheel alignment by a certified tech. using an up to date machine? The reason I asked this is our Dodge,(also front wheel drive w/ struts all around) was having back tire wear issues. To properly complete a four wheel alignment, the shop had to remove the lower suspension links and replace them with aftermarket adjustable units. The reason was that the rear suspension attachment points were located incorrectly when the car was assembled, and it could not be aligned to go down the road properly. It solved the problem. Struts should last a long time. how many miles are on the Focus?

[giffy]

tiogacounty, it has 112,000 miles on it, runs great but has been eating rear tires. I did have it aligned by cert techs not long ago.

giffy

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GiffsFarm