Prevent Driveshaft Deterioration on Your Focus ST & Volvo – Discover the Power of Precision Driveshaft Spacers

Lowering your car can significantly enhance its stance and performance—but it often comes with a hidden cost. For enthusiasts driving vehicles like the Ford Focus ST or the Volvo P1 range (including the C30, S40, V50, and C70), one of the most common issues is driveshaft deterioration. While our precision driveshaft spacers won’t completely “fix” the underlying issue, they play a crucial role in delaying wear and extending the life of your driveshafts.

Understanding the Driveshaft Dilemma

When you lower your vehicle, the geometry of the drivetrain changes. Specifically, the gearbox is moved further away from the wheel hubs. This shift causes the driveshafts to lengthen as the inner CV joint is gradually pulled outwards. Over time, the increased stress can lead to premature wear, particularly affecting the tripod bearing, which may begin to wear out as it repeatedly shifts in and out of its housing.

Why It Happens

• Extended Drivetrain Geometry: Lowering your car shifts the balance, stretching the driveshaft beyond its intended range.
• Increased Wear on CV Joints: As the driveshaft extends, the CV joints—especially the inner joints—face additional strain, leading to faster deterioration.
• Tripod Bearing Stress: The additional movement results in the tripod bearing moving more than it should, eventually leading to its failure.

How Precision Driveshaft Spacers Can Help

Our driveshaft spacers are designed to counteract these issues by effectively reducing the unwanted extension of the driveshaft. Here’s how they work:

The Mechanics Behind the Spacers

• Reduced Extension: By adding a precise 4mm spacer to each side, the inner tripod bearing is brought closer to the gearbox. This adjustment minimizes the pull on the CV joint.
• Maintained Contact Area: The spacer fills the gap where the CV joint has a fillet from the spline to the body, ensuring that the contact area between the spline and the hub is preserved. This design prevents any excess stress on the splines, ensuring durability.
• High-Quality Build: Made from corrosion-resistant Marine Grade A4 Stainless Steel, these spacers are built to last. They’re engineered with precision to meet OEM standards and are paired with OE-quality driveshaft hub bolts and washers for a complete, reliable solution.

The Benefits

• Extended Driveshaft Life: By reducing the forces acting on the driveshaft and its joints, our spacers significantly delay the onset of wear and tear.
• Cost-Effective Prevention: While they won’t reverse existing damage, these spacers are an affordable investment in preventing future costly repairs or replacements.
• Optimized Performance: Lowered cars maintain their enhanced looks and performance while mitigating the mechanical drawbacks typically associated with a lowered stance.

Compatibility and Installation

Our driveshaft spacers have been meticulously designed to suit a range of popular models:

• Volvo: C30, C70, S40, V50
• Ford: Focus ST Mk2, Focus RS Mk2
• Mazda: MPS 3

Installation Tips

• Follow the Guide: Always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for proper installation procedures.
• Use OEM Driveshafts: For best results, we recommend using OEM driveshafts. Aftermarket driveshafts may have different fillet shapes, which might cause a slight loose fit.
• Consider the Roll Centre Adjuster Kit: Pairing our driveshaft spacers with a Roll Centre Adjuster kit can further enhance your vehicle’s suspension geometry and prolong driveshaft longevity.

Real-World Impact

For many car enthusiasts, the frustration of premature driveshaft failure can be a major setback, especially after investing in a lowered vehicle for its performance benefits. Our driveshaft spacers provide a practical, preventative measure that extends the life of your drivetrain components. By addressing the root cause of the excessive extension and wear, you can drive with more confidence, knowing that your investment in performance modifications is well protected.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing driveshaft issues or are simply looking to preemptively protect your Focus ST or Volvo from premature wear, our precision driveshaft spacers offer an effective solution. They don’t entirely eliminate the risks associated with a lowered chassis or increased power, but they do significantly delay the deterioration process, saving you time and money in the long run.

Ready to protect your investment? Discover our Driveshaft Spacers today and drive with confidence.