Does a Ford Fiesta have shocks or struts?
As a car owner, understanding the components of your vehicle is crucial for maintenance and repair. One common question among Ford Fiesta owners is whether their vehicle is equipped with shocks or struts. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two suspension components and clarify what the Ford Fiesta uses.
Understanding Shocks and Struts
Before diving into the specifics of the Ford Fiesta, it's important to understand the roles of shocks and struts in a vehicle's suspension system:
- Shocks: Shock absorbers are designed to control the impact and rebound of the vehicle's springs. They help maintain tire contact with the road, providing a smoother ride and better handling.
- Struts: Struts serve a dual purpose; they act as a shock absorber and also provide structural support to the vehicle's suspension system. Struts are typically found in vehicles with a MacPherson strut suspension design.
Ford Fiesta Suspension System
The Ford Fiesta utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension system in its front end. This means that the front suspension of the Fiesta is equipped with struts rather than separate shocks and springs. The rear suspension, however, typically uses shock absorbers.
Why It Matters
Understanding whether your Ford Fiesta has shocks or struts is essential for several reasons:
- Maintenance: Knowing the type of suspension components can help you schedule appropriate maintenance and replacements.
- Performance: Properly functioning struts and shocks are vital for vehicle stability, handling, and overall ride comfort.
- Safety: Worn suspension components can lead to decreased handling and increased stopping distances, affecting your safety on the road.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Fiesta is equipped with struts in the front suspension and shocks in the rear. Regular maintenance of these components is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. If you have any questions about your vehicle's suspension or need assistance with maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a bad strut?
Symptoms of Worn Shocks & Struts
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?
Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.
Should I replace the struts or just the shock?
You want struts/shocks on an axle to be at optimum performance because they do affect your handling and your braking so when replacing them because of maintenance definitely recommend doing the pair. When replacing them because of collision damage it's a little bit different.
How much to replace struts on a Ford Fiesta?
The average cost for a Ford Fiesta Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $612 and $667. Labor costs are estimated between $166 and $209 while parts are priced between $446 and $458. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
How much to replace shock absorbers on a Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta Front Shock Absorbers (Pair) Replacement cost
| Name | Independent garage estimate |
|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta 1.8 2000 Part brands: Ford, Sachs Parts costs: £148 - £178 Labour time: 1-2 hours | £208 - £230 |
| Ford Fiesta 1.6 2000 Part brands: Anschler, Ford, Sachs Parts costs: £89 - £110 Labour time: 1-2 hours | £153 - £171 |
How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?
between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
