SUSPENSION AND BRAKES
An RS2000 won’t handle like a Fiesta ST, although you might be pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is to chuck around. Any decent standard example should exhibit understeer and lifeless steering – that’s just the Mk5/6 platform – but it should be smooth and quiet.
Clonking from the front suspension is common, generally caused by worn wishbone bushes and usually accompanied by vague steering, wandering on straight roads and uneven tyre wear. Genuine Ford heavy-duty van suspension arms are worth seeking out (cheap aftermarket bits don’t last long), although polyurethane bushes are a fit-andforget solution.
Rattling may also be due to broken drop links or a snapped spring, while tired dampers can cause knocking over bumps, meanwhile giving a wallowy ride and lousy handling.
Listen for whining from the power steering pump (possibly accompanied by a fluid leak at the reservoir), and rumbling from wheel bearings – especially on the rear.
Beware of an Escort feeling particularly floppy from the back end, because rotten suspension mounts will cause such a sensation, and will be predictably dangerous.
Many RS2000s are by now rolling on uprated suspension, but avoid lowering more than 35mm, especially on a 4x4, where the propshafts won’t take kindly to wacky angles.
RS2000 brakes are poor by modern standards, but should haul up a standard car in a straight line. The front 260mm ventilated discs are prone to juddering felt through the pedal, which is usually a case of contamination on the discs/pads, and need for replacement – a cheap and easy job.
If the pedal feels spongy, it may just be that the fluid is due for refreshment, but beware of ballooning flexible hoses, and check the metal pipes for corrosion. Braided brake lines are highly recommended, and if you enjoy driving, it’s worth upgrading to Mk1 Mondeo V6 anchors (which fit behind standard RS alloys) or Focus ST170 stoppers (which will mean going up to 16in rims).
Rear brakes on the Mk5/Mk5A and Mk6 4x4 were 270mm solid rear discs, which are prone to squeaking; typically, the load-apportioning valve will be stuck. The rear callipers can also seize, so check the handbrake holds the car on a few clicks.
Mk6 front-wheel-drive RS2000s had lowly drums on the back, which again need checking for handbrake operation or leaks from the wheel cylinders. Ideally, upgrade to discs.
Teves ABS was standard, which shouldn’t cause many issues aside from dirty or malfunctioning sensors. Check the ABS warning light comes on with the ignition and goes off again after starting the engine.
Mk5/A RS2000s ran on polished 15in alloys from the factory, but they’re famed for corrosion and lacquer peel. Most have by now been resprayed silver, but restoration can be tackled by a wheel specialist.