204-00 Suspension System - General Information	2014 Fiesta
Diagnosis and Testing	Procedure revision date: 05/2/2013

Suspension System

Preliminary Inspection

Road test the vehicle.
- If any suspension alignment or ride height concerns are present, GO to Symptom Chart — Suspension System.
- Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are present, GO to Symptom Chart — NVH.

Inspect the tires.
- Check the tire pressures with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. Refer to the VC label.
- Verify that all tires are sized to specification. Refer to the VC label.
- Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage. Install new tires as necessary.

Inspect the chassis and underbody.
- Remove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and underbody.
- Front or rear suspension components
- Suspension fastener(s)
- Incorrect spring usage
- Spring(s)
- Shock absorber(s)
- Strut(s)
- Suspension bushing(s)
- Steering system components
- Subframe
- Wheel bearing and wheel hub(s)
- Tires
- Non-OEM parts or modifications

Inspect for aftermarket equipment.
- Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, and wheel and tire components (such as competition or heavy duty). The specifications shown in this manual do not apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.

Symptom Chart — Suspension System

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Vehicle drifts/pulls	Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle	GO to Pinpoint Test A
	Tires/tire pressure
	Alignment is not within specification
	Brake drag
	Steering components
	Subframe misalignment
Wander	Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
	Ball joint(s)	INSPECT the ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection component test in this section.
	Damaged or missing front strut mount bearing(s)	INSTALL a new front strut mount bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
	Loose, worn or damaged front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the wheel bearings. INSTALL new wheel bearings as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
	Loose suspension fasteners	INSPECT the suspension fasteners. TIGHTEN to specification. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
	Steering components	INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 211 for the procedure.
	Wheel alignment (excessive total front toe out)	ADJUST as necessary. REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
Front bottoming or riding low	Worn, damaged or incorrect springs	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures). INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
Front bottoming or riding low	Worn front strut(s)	INSTALL new struts as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Abnormal/incorrect tire wear	Incorrect tire pressure (rapid center rib or inner and outer edge wear)	ADJUST the tire pressure. REFER to the VC label. REFER to Diagnosis and Testing for further tire wear diagnosis.
	Incorrect tire rotation intervals	Refer to the appropriate section in Group 103 for the procedure.
	High-speed cornering Excessive front or rear toe (inner or outer edge wear) Excessive negative or positive camber (inner or outer edge wear)	REFER to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing). for further tire wear diagnosis.
	Front or rear suspension components	INSPECT the front and rear suspension system. REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Sticky steering, poor returnability	Damaged or worn front strut mount bearing(s)	INSTALL a new front strut mount bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).
	Binding ball joints	REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection component test in this section.
	Steering components	INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 211 for the procedure.
Steering wheel off-center	Unequal front or rear toe setting (side-to-side)	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures). ADJUST as necessary.
Steering wheel off-center	Steering components	INSPECT the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 211 for the procedure.
Sway or roll	Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN the wheel nut(s) to specification. REFER to: Specifications (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Specifications).
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation). or REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Loose stabilizer bracket-to-frame bolts	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
	Worn stabilizer bar bushings or links	INSTALL new stabilizer bar bushings or links as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Damaged or broken stabilizer bar	INSTALL a new stabilizer bar as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Worn spring(s)	INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly). orREFER to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Vehicle leans to one side	Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle	NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
	Front or rear suspension components	INSPECT the front and rear suspension systems. INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
	Incorrect drive axle(s) ride height. Side-to-side lean out of specification	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures). INSPECT the front and rear suspension systems. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.

Symptom Chart — NVH

NVH symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms,
REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Description and Operation).
. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness, Diagnosis and Testing).
for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Squeak or grunt - noise from the suspension	Front or rear suspension components	INSPECT the front or rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns	Loose front suspension	INSPECT for loose nuts or bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE	Loose rear suspension components	INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Worn or damaged ball joint(s)	CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new lower arm assembly as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or while turning	Front suspension components Loose or damaged front struts, shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control/radius arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or link(s) Worn or damaged upper strut mount bearing(s)	INSPECT the front suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or damaged rear shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s)	INSPECT the rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle	Refer to the appropriate section in Group 205 for the procedure.
Shimmy	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to: Specifications (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Specifications).
	Loose front suspension fastener(s)	TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specification. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.
	Loose front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearing(s). INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation). or REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	INSPECT the front suspension. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure. REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
Rough/harsh ride	Incorrect tire pressure	ADJUST the tire pressure. REFER to the VC label.
	Low ride height	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures). INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly). or REFER to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
	Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.

Pinpoint Tests

Vehicle Drifts/Pulls

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Possible Causes

Unevenly loaded vehicle
Tire pressure
Tire forces
Brake drag
Incorrect vehicle alignment
Steering system

PINPOINT TEST A : VEHICLE DRIFTS/PULLS

A1 CHECK FOR UNEVENLY LOADED VEHICLE

Visually check the vehicle for an uneven loading condition.

Is the vehicle unevenly loaded?

Yes

ADVISE the customer of uneven loading condition.

GO to A2

A2 CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURES AND TIRE CONDITIONS

Check the tire pressures. Refer to the VC label located on the driver door jamb. Check the tires for uneven/abnormal wear.
REFER to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Diagnosis and Testing).

Are the tire pressures and tire conditions OK?

Yes

GO to A3

No	ADJUST the tire pressures to the specified pressure or INSTALL new tires as necessary.

A3 ISOLATE TIRE DRIFT/PULL CONDITION

NOTE: It is important to determine if tire forces are the cause of a drift/pull condition. Changing the position of the wheel and tire assemblies on the vehicle may correct a pull/drift condition. A tire or tires that are causing a drift/pull should not be removed from service unless it has been determined that the tire(s) are worn beyond specification. Refer to Diagnosis and Testing — Wheels and Tires in Section 204-04.

Cross the front wheel and tire assemblies from left-to-right.
REFER to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).

Does the vehicle drift/pull?

Yes

If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the opposite direction, tire forces are causing the drift/pull. ROTATE the wheel and tire assemblies front-to-rear. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 204 for the procedure.. If the vehicle drifts/pulls in the same direction, GO to A4

No	Tire forces were causing the drift/pull and the concern has been corrected.

A4 CHECK SUBFRAME ALIGNMENT

NOTE: RH and LH dimensions are identical. All measurements on center.

Using the following measurements, check the subframe alignment.
- Location 1 — 260 mm (10.236 in).
- Location 2 — 666 mm (26.22 in).

Is the subframe aligned correctly?

Yes

GO to A5

REMOVE and DISCARD the 2 rearward subframe bolts. LOOSEN the 2 forward subframe bolts. Using the measurements listed above, ALIGN the subframe. TIGHTEN the 2 forward subframe bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft). TIGHTEN the 2 new rearward subframe bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). TIGHTEN the 2 new rearward subframe bolts an additional 240 degrees. Reset vehicle wheel alignment after the subframe is moved. ADJUST the alignment as necessary.
REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).

A5 CHECK FOR BRAKE DRAG

Spin all four wheel and tire assemblies by hand and check for brake drag.

Do the wheels spin freely?

Yes

GO to A6

No	To diagnose brake drag condition, REFER to: Brake System (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Diagnosis and Testing).

A6 CHECK THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, check the wheel alignment.

Is the wheel alignment out of specification?

Yes

ADJUST the alignment as necessary.
REFER to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).

No	To diagnose steering system drift/pull/wander condition, Refer to the appropriate section in Group 211 for the procedure.

Component Tests

Ball Joint Inspection

Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Install a new wheel bearing as necessary.

NOTE: To obtain accurate measurements, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.

Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
REFER to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).

Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
- If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new lower arm assembly as necessary.
  REFER to: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).

NOTICE: Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage may occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exist when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.

Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the lower control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower arm at the lower ball joint.
- If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint.
- If relative movement is found, continue with Step 5.

NOTE: To obtain an accurate measurement, align the dial indicator should be aligned as close as possible with the vertical axis (center line) of the ball joint.

To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.

Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the lower control arm, by hand.
- If the deflection exceeds specification, a new lower arm assembly must be installed.
  REFER to: Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
- If the deflection meets specification, no further action is required.