jimbosfocus

I recently bought the MK2 Focus Haynes manual (off ebay, about £15.80) and was surprised to learn that the 1.6 engine has solid tappets, rather than hydraulic. The manual describes how to check the valve clearances, BUT does not say (as far as I can see) WHEN they should be checked. Is it only if you have to re grind the valves? The Ford service schedule makes no mention of checking the valve clearances as part of any service. WHY have they decided not to fit hydraulic tappets to these engines? It seems a backward step. My engine has a slight tapping noise, and I wonder now if I have a valve

Could it be a steering or suspension ball joint that is making the noise? Does is creak when at a standstill if you turn the steering from lock to lock? My MK2 did this, and the cause was the inner end track rod end on the driver's side.It was in need of grease - obviously it was not adequately lubricated when manufactured. It used to creak over small bumps at low speeds, and when turning the steering when parking - very annoying!!

Has anybody removed the plastic body side mouldings fitted to the Mk2? I notice the Mk2.5 does not have them, and think they look better without. What do you think?

Has nobody got access to the official Ford manual yet??

There is a company called allwheelstyres selling 18" ST look-alike wheels on ebay. As far as I can tell, they are the same appearance as the genuine ones. Has anybody bought a set, or have any opinions on them, please? The proper Ford ones seem quite hard to find second hand.

zetecm4plm, Your car looks good in the picture. I am a Autoglym / Zymol / Swissvax fan. If you prepare the surface properly, nothing can beat the finish you get with a good carnauba based wax. Expensive though, but great to use.

mayo10uk, Thanks for the reply. I'd love to buy your old wheels, but sadly I am too far away. I'll just have to keep my eye on ebay! Looking forward to seeing your new photos.

Thankyou so much for the information. However, you have made me very jealous now by mentioning that you have a 58 plate Focus. I think the 2008 models look FANTASTIC. The shape of the wings, the radiator grille with chrome trim above it, are just great. The best looking car in it's class. Does it drive much differently?

mayo10uk, Your Focus looks GREAT with the changes you have made. I like the colour of the car - what is it? The wheels suit it nicely too. Do they fit straight on without any other changes? Have they made the car give a noisier/bumpier ride? There seems to be two similar styles of these 18" wheels - are these off a Focus ST?

It is worth keeping in mind that slipping/dragging the clutch to hold a car whilst on a hill is BAD driving tecnique! Use the handbrake! If you do this, the clutch plate, pressure plate, and release bearing will last MUCH longer. Also - a pet hate of mine - I wish folks waiting at junctions at night would use the handbrake instead of dazzling the person waiting behind them with the high intensity foot brake lights (if you get my meaning) I feel better now i've got that off my chest! Sermon over!

The parts you had replaced are indeed the joints/rods I described in my earlier posting. I am sorry you have been charged such a high price to cure the problem. Could you not have asked a small local garage to have a look at the car for you, rather than going to a Ford dealer?

Can the official Mk2 workshop manual be obtained?

No -that picture is showing the outer track rod end - the one which attaches to the strut. You need to look at the INBOARD end of the track rod, and there you will find the accordion type rubber/plastic cover/bellows attached to the steering rack. If you do an internet search for 'steering rack' you should see what I am refering to.

I jacked the car up and removed the wheels. At the inboard end of the track rod, where it connects with the steering rack, is a rubber/plastic bellows which covers the joint. This concertina - like bellows is fastened to the steering rack with a large circular clip, and to the track rod with a small clip. If you get under the car (after supporting it properly of course) you could cut off the large inner clip, pull back the bellows, and then get full access to the noisy inner track rod joint for greasing. However, you would need to obtain some replacement clips of the type which can be split to

Can anyone advise me on the following, please : - The handbook for the Mk2 states that the footbrake must be applied firmly BEFORE applying the handbrake. The handbrake does work fine if I do this, but sometimes - for example when exiting a junction on a hill - it is not practical to use the brake pedal/throttle/clutch together. A handbrake should work without having to first use the footbrake surely. Has anybody any ideas on this? Is there any source of official Ford workshop manuals for the Mk2? It would be nice to have one, at the very least for torque settings etc. I have a very SLIGHT he