Ford Escort Front Top Mounts

**MetalMatrix** · 7-17-07, 22:45

Just an Informative post for people wanting information on these top mounts.

I recently installed a set of front top mounts from a Ford Escort. What this does is it lowers the front end an extra 0.5" - 0.75". I purchased the 1997-2002 Ford Escort Mounts (part number: 142188). Slight modification is required to the hole that the threaded strut shaft passes through. It needs to be dremeled to be slightly opened because it is too small.

After this, everything installs perfectly but I had slight problems later with my steering. I had "memory steer" and some metal on metal noise that I thought was the new front lowering springs sometimes when I hit bumps or turned the steering wheel. When I removed the struts, I found the new top mounts (because they sit lower) were rubbing the upper spring seat. I had to slightly grind away a little of the upper spring seat and a little off the bolt heads on the Escort Top Mounts. This problem was never mentioned on ProbeTalk but I figured I'd share my experience. Everything is perfect now though. Only a very small amount was required to be grinded off. I did not take pictures at the time so do not expect any. I will see if I can use the old top mounts as an example.

Note: I think the Ford Escort ZX model has a larger hole so you do not have to dremel it out to make the strut shaft fit but I'm not 100% on that.

Comparision Pictures I have:

Left: MX6 Top Mount // Right: Ford Escort Top Mount
You can see how it sits lower than the Mazda OEM one.

Hard to see, but this shows how close the upper spring seat is to the Ford Escort top mount:

**tchnprgrmr** · 7-18-07, 2:06

thnks for the info,

quick question though: the title says Escort strut mounts, and you have a part number, but then later on its mentioned to be Focus struts that have the problem. Will the escort mounts have the same problem?

**MetalMatrix** · 7-18-07, 10:48

oops, I meant it all to say Escort. I was helping my friend troubleshoot his Focus and it confused me. I fixed the original post.

danimalstwiztid · 9-21-08, 22:54

this was done before

**Stealth** · 9-23-08, 11:26

Nice mod, I didnt know about that

**the phranc** · 9-23-08, 11:34

Is there a way to lower the backs too.

7-17-07, 22:45	#1 (permalink)
MetalMatrix Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	Ford Escort Front Top Mounts Just an Informative post for people wanting information on these top mounts. I recently installed a set of front top mounts from a Ford Escort. What this does is it lowers the front end an extra 0.5" - 0.75". I purchased the 1997-2002 Ford Escort Mounts (part number: 142188). Slight modification is required to the hole that the threaded strut shaft passes through. It needs to be dremeled to be slightly opened because it is too small. After this, everything installs perfectly but I had slight problems later with my steering. I had "memory steer" and some metal on metal noise that I thought was the new front lowering springs sometimes when I hit bumps or turned the steering wheel. When I removed the struts, I found the new top mounts (because they sit lower) were rubbing the upper spring seat. I had to slightly grind away a little of the upper spring seat and a little off the bolt heads on the Escort Top Mounts. This problem was never mentioned on ProbeTalk but I figured I'd share my experience. Everything is perfect now though. Only a very small amount was required to be grinded off. I did not take pictures at the time so do not expect any. I will see if I can use the old top mounts as an example. Note: I think the Ford Escort ZX model has a larger hole so you do not have to dremel it out to make the strut shaft fit but I'm not 100% on that. Comparision Pictures I have: Left: MX6 Top Mount // Right: Ford Escort Top Mount You can see how it sits lower than the Mazda OEM one. Hard to see, but this shows how close the upper spring seat is to the Ford Escort top mount: Last edited by MetalMatrix : 7-18-07 at 10:45.
	~Thomas Custom Kitted MX6

7-18-07, 2:06	#2 (permalink)
tchnprgrmr Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NPR / Jax, FL, USA Age: 21 iTrader: (0)	thnks for the info, quick question though: the title says Escort strut mounts, and you have a part number, but then later on its mentioned to be Focus struts that have the problem. Will the escort mounts have the same problem?
	1995 MX-6 LS: black, 222,XXX miles, DZ lowering springs, Warm Air Intake, coolant-bypass, XTD stage 2 clutch, MX-3 flywheel, ebay STS, test-pipe with exhaust cut-out option

7-18-07, 10:48	#3 (permalink)
MetalMatrix Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	oops, I meant it all to say Escort. I was helping my friend troubleshoot his Focus and it confused me. I fixed the original post.
	~Thomas Custom Kitted MX6

9-23-08, 11:26	#5 (permalink)
Stealth Blanka has an itch Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Free Roam Age: 23 iTrader: (2)	Nice mod, I didnt know about that
	Current Location : Saint Michael Photobucket Engine Stuff For Sale RX8 Knob For Sale

9-21-08, 22:54	#4 (permalink)
danimalstwiztid Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maryville, TN, USA Age: 26 iTrader: (0)	this was done before

9-23-08, 11:34	#6 (permalink)
the phranc Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: , MD, USA iTrader: (0)	Is there a way to lower the backs too.