SUSPENSION AND BRAKES
ST250s handle like every hot hatch should – with quick responses, loads of laughs and a little too much torque-steer. Pre-facelift cars are especially prone (Ford revised the suspension and recalibrated the steering for the 2015 model year), but all will benefit from polyurethane rear bushes in the front wishbones, which replace the original oil-filled components. We like the Powerflex Handling Pack, which includes all four wishbone bushes plus engine mount void bush. A variety of engine mounts are available, but many are considered too harsh for a road-going ST250, so choose carefully.
Any second-hand ST250 should handle sharply, even after lots of miles. Tired standard bushes will probably be to blame if it’s sloppy (check the rear trailing arm bushes, which are tricky to replace), although coil springs have been known to snap. Beware of inaccurate handling, which could point to poor alignment (ST250s are sensitive to wheel geometry, but bear in mind loads have been crashed) or a problem with the steering.
Some early ST250s had issues with the variable electric assistance (cured by a software upgrade), while facelifted versions were recalibrated for improved feel. Collins has seen several STs with faulty steering racks, where they suddenly lose power assistance while driving – the ST has a very quick rack, so the steering becomes incredibly heavy; a dashboard warning light will flash up too.
Rack replacement is pricey (around £800 for a reconditioned unit) and not straightforward: there are different versions depending on the model year, with alternative electronic control modules, which are integral to the rack.
Stock ST250 stoppers are capable enough for a road car – especially with fast-road pads – although over-enthusiastic use results in juddering due to warped/contaminated discs/pads. If you feel it on the test drive, assume the car’s been driven hard. Many owners have upgraded to Focus RS Mk3 Brembo front callipers, 350mm discs and braided hoses, which work brilliantly.
Check the rest of the braking system for corrosion, especially the brake lines, connectors and rear callipers; the retaining springs rust into the callipers, and the handbrake mechanism can become sticky.
Standard ST250 wheels were 8x18in in silver, or Rado Grey as part of the Style Pack (later ST-3s swapped for Rock Metallic). Rado Grey rims are prone to flaking lacquer. Many facelift STs were had optional 19in rims (silver with Style Pack, or black with Black Style Pack), which reduce ride comfort but look loads better. Stock tyres were Goodyears, but any quality brand will do the job.
CONTACTS COLLINS PERFORMANCE
www.collinsperformance.com
MOUNTUNE
www.mountunestore.com
FJRS
www.fjrs.co.uk
AET MOTORSPORT
www.aet-motorsport.co.uk
SCC PERFORMANCE
www.focusrsparts.co.uk
ELITE AUTOMOTIVE
www.elite-automotive.co.uk
MCR SPECIALIST CARS
www.mcrspecialistcars.com
WAYSIDE PERFORMANCE
www.wayside-performance.co.uk
FOCUS ST OWNERS’ CLUB
www.focusstoc.com
ST DRIVERS
www.stdrivers.co.uk
FOCUS ST.ORG
www.focusst.org
ST NATION
fordstnation.com
TANGERINE SCREAM ST OWNERS’ CLUB
www.facebook.com/ groups/1669357946678090