2014-2019 Ford Fiesta Rear Coil Springs: A Guide to Breakage, Symptoms, and Replacement

The Common Problem: Broken Rear Springs

Rear coil springs on the 2014-2019 Ford Fiesta are a known common failure point. Many owners experience a sudden break, often without any prior warning. The break typically occurs on the last coil at the very bottom of the spring. This area is susceptible to collecting dirt, salt, and moisture, which can wear away the spring's protective coating, leading to rust and eventual fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken or Failing Coil Spring

A broken coil spring will be immediately noticeable. Here are the most common signs:

• A Loud "Clunk" or "Bang": This is often the first indication that a spring has snapped. The sound comes from the rear of the car, and you may hear it while driving or even when the car is parked.
• Vehicle Sagging or Leaning: The car will visibly sit lower in one rear corner. You can measure the distance from the top of the wheel arch to the ground on both sides to confirm the difference.
• Rattling or Scraping Noises: After the initial break, you may hear rattling or scraping sounds as the broken piece of the spring moves around in its seat or makes contact with other suspension parts.
• Poor Handling and Instability: With a broken spring, the car may feel unstable, sway excessively in turns, or bounce more than usual over bumps.
• Uneven Tire Wear: A collapsed corner changes the suspension geometry, which can cause accelerated and uneven wear on the affected tire.

Known Issues and Recalls

While there are no widespread recalls specifically for broken coil springs on the 2014-2019 Ford Fiesta, Ford did issue a recall (Ford #20S41) for some vehicles built in late 2019. The recall noted that insufficient clearance between the rear coil spring and the toe link bracket could cause the spring's protective coating to wear away. This could lead to corrosion and an eventual fracture, causing the spring to separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Although this recall was primarily for other models, the failure description perfectly matches the common issue seen by Fiesta owners, indicating a known potential weakness in the rear suspension design.

Buying a Used Coil/Air Spring: What to Inspect

A high-quality, used OEM coil spring is often a better choice than a cheap, new aftermarket part. OEM springs are made to Ford's exact specifications for spring rate and durability, ensuring proper ride quality. Aftermarket springs can vary in quality, potentially altering your car's ride height and handling.

When inspecting a used Fiesta rear coil spring, pay close attention to the following:

• Check for Cracks: This is the most critical inspection. Carefully examine the entire spring, but focus on the very top and bottom coils. A fracture will often look like a clean snap.
• Inspect for Corrosion: Surface rust is common, but you should reject any spring with deep, flaky rust or pitting. Pay special attention to the bottom coil where it sits in the axle mount, as this is the most common failure point.
• Examine the Protective Coating: Look for large areas where the black powder coating has peeled or chipped away, exposing the bare metal to the elements. A compromised coating is a precursor to failure.
• Compare Heights: If you are buying a pair, stand them next to each other on a flat surface. They should be the same height. If one is visibly shorter, it has sagged and should not be used.
• Verify Part Numbers: If the original part number sticker or tag is still present, match it to the numbers known to fit your specific Fiesta model (Hatchback, Sedan, or ST).

Replacement Cost Comparison

Replacing rear coil springs is a relatively inexpensive repair, especially if you can do it yourself. Always replace them in pairs to ensure a level stance and balanced handling.

Rear Coil Spring Replacement Overview (DIY)

Difficulty: 2 out of 5

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours for the pair

Tools Required: Jack, Jack Stands, Wheel Chocks, Lug Wrench (19mm socket), Socket Wrench, 15mm Socket, Torque Wrench.

Simplified Steps:

1. Park on a level surface and chock the front wheels. Loosen the rear wheel's lug nuts.
2. Jack up the rear of the car and place it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
3. Place a jack under the rear axle beam near the spring you are replacing to support its weight.
4. Using a 15mm socket, remove the lower shock absorber bolt. This will allow the axle to drop down.
5. Slowly lower the jack supporting the axle. As the axle drops, the coil spring will decompress and can be easily removed by hand.
6. Inspect the upper and lower rubber spring insulators (pads). If they are cracked or worn, replace them.
7. Install the new spring, making sure it is seated correctly in the upper and lower mounts.
8. Raise the axle with the jack, guide the lower shock mount into place, and reinstall the bolt.
9. Tighten the lower shock absorber bolt to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
10. Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft).
11. Repeat the process for the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)