Replacing tire mobility kit with a doughnut spare tire in Fusion Hybrid SE 2014 (costing and experience)

[shiuraz]

Hi,

I wanted to share my experience with replacing the tire mobility kit with a doughnut spare tire in my Ford Fusion Hybrid SE 2014 (17 inch wheels) in particular what to look out for in case others are thinking of doing the same. I've included a lot of details for those like myself who do not know a lot about cars and are learning this stuff for the first time.

 

I've sustained side wall damage several times on my Fusion. The tire mobility kit did not work for side wall damage and even ruined my tire pressure monitoring sensor on one occasion. I decided it was time to get a spare tire (which the car did not come with).

 

Pricing

The dealer I called (I am in California) was quoting the wheel for $207.95 (without the tire which they did not stock), jack $139, lug wrench $37 and foam insert $54. The tire can be purchased online for $158. Total $585.95.

 

I called my local auto wreaker - they had the wheel and tire, jack, foam insert and wrench and quoted me $150 - $200. I have also seen the wheel and jack sold together and separately on eBay for a range of prices.

 

Important information

I did my research on this forum (thank you for the wonderful wealth of information) and looked at my friend's Fusion spare tire setup. Here are the important things to know if you decide to go the secondhand route:

1. The wheel you want to get will have CM5C-1015-CXA engraved on the wheel (the part number is CV6Z1015B but this is not printed anywhere on the wheel).

2. The tire on the wheel is Maxxis T125/80R16

3. I recommend getting the jack (which should have a slim metal stick that moves the jack up and down attached), the lug wrench and the foam insert (see pic from my friends car). The foam insert with all the parts will sit nicely inside the tire.

4. The Fusion comes with a lock nut holder (spindle) which holds down the foam insert. This spindle also works to hold down the spare tire and foam insert.

5. I recommend installing the doughnut onto your car before you buy if you have the time - that way you can test if the jack works and the tire fits. I am glad we did this as the first tire the auto wreaker gave us was 16 inches but did not have CM5C-1015-CXA engraved onto it and the tire was a Maxxis T145/80D16. It sat too high in the trunk (as it was wider) and the holes on the wheel would not line up with bolts on the car. It would have sucked to be out in the middle of nowhere 2 years later with a flat only to find it didn't fit and the tire wasn't returnable!

 

Fit

To fit the tire in the trunk

1. Lift up the trunk floor carpet/liner

2. Unscrew the spindle holding down the foam insert (which holds the tire mobility kit)

3. Remove the foam insert

4. Put down the newly purchased foam insert containing the jack and lug wrench (jack side up). The bottom of the foam should have a rectangle divot cut out which sits over a small rectangle of metal on the trunk floor.

5. Put the wheel in, outer edge up. The jack and insert should sit nicely inside the wheel

6. Screw the setup down with the spindle (see picture)

7. Replace the trunk floor carpet - it should sit flat.

 

The tire mobility kit will not fit under the carpet but I keep it in the trunk as the compressor may come in handy.

 

Here is a post from another member detailing their experience driving on the doughnut 

Here is post from another member discussing how to make the spare work for 18 inch wheels.

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

 

 

 

[2014FordFusionSE]

Thanks for the detailed write-up. I was considering one of these

[Cobra348]

Any salvage yard purchase of a 2013+ gas model Fusion 16" compact spare (and jack, etc) will work with the FFH.  There is a thread in here somewhere that outlines the OEM part numbers for the same stuff AND what you need for tread to complete the setup.

 

Compact spare will fit into the well easily for at least a 2015 - 2018 FFH that I know of.  Can't say on 2019 but I can state that a '20 needs some screw/bolt removal before it fits.  Your '14 should also be a drop-in (like the '15).

 

Edited July 20, 2021 by Cobra348

[Waldo]

The same spare and jack/tools was used on the 2012+ Focus, so that increases the sources.

 

But we shouldn't have a thread on adding the spare without the disclaimer that the likely reason Ford didn't put in the spare is because it may not meet crash requirements.  Imagine getting rear-ended and having that spare submarine under the battery, breaking the connection between the battery and the floor.  Now you have a loose battery that could end up in your back seat.   Just need to be aware of the risk so everyone can make their own informed decision.

[eisbaer]

If the reason for not having a spare is because of the chance in a rear end collision the HVB is going to end up in the back seat the circumstance wouldn't be because of a spare tire.

The hybrid vehicle is sold with run flat tires and should be replaced with such and in fords eye means that a spare is redundant maximizing the use of the HVB (also things like disabling DRL)

I purchased a spare on ebay for $65 and took the jack from the vehicle this car replaced.

[Cobra348]

I do not believe the OEM Michelins are run-flats.  My experience with a flat did not allow me to run on the tire - and it was not sidewall.  They are LRR  (Low Rolling Resistance) but that is to add to better MPG.

[Waldo]

Correct, the Fusion never came with run flat tires.  The FFH came with low rolling resistance tires, which are something totally different.  And even if it did, it would have been because the spare couldn't be used (because of the crash issue), not the other way around.

 

And I can't disable the DRL on my 2014 Fusion Hybrid (Canadian car), so not sure what you're talking about.

[Cobra348]

US cars have the ability to toggle DRL on/off.  They're hardwired on Canadian units.

[eisbaer]

17 hours ago, Waldo said:

Correct, the Fusion never came with run flat tires.  The FFH came with low rolling resistance tires, which are something totally different.  And even if it did, it would have been because the spare couldn't be used (because of the crash issue), not the other way around.

 

And I can't disable the DRL on my 2014 Fusion Hybrid (Canadian car), so not sure what you're talking about.

So its obviously a law that your country has where others dont nbd. There are numerous options that are disabled in the hybrid version that arent in others to reduce consumption of unnecessary features that are not critical. its not that hard to wrap your head around

[murphy]

Just in case an Energi (FFE) driver reads this thread.  The Energi brakes are bigger because of the weight of the battery.  The specified wheel will not clear the brake caliper so it can't be used.

 

[Cobra348]

7 hours ago, murphy said:

Just in case an Energi (FFE) driver reads this thread.  The Energi brakes are bigger because of the weight of the battery.  The specified wheel will not clear the brake caliper so it can't be used.

 

I forgot about that!  Good catch.

[Waldo]

On 7/21/2021 at 9:13 AM, eisbaer said:

So its obviously a law that your country has where others dont nbd. There are numerous options that are disabled in the hybrid version that arent in others to reduce consumption of unnecessary features that are not critical. its not that hard to wrap your head around

 

Like what?  You can disable the DRLs in US market regular Fusions (and basically every other Ford), it's not a hybrid unique thing.

 

If you're trying to make the argument that installing a spare in your hybrid Fusion does not change the crash structure, then you really need to support that with some sort of data.

[eisbaer]

i never they others didnt, i said they are disabled in hybrids to conserve the HVB along with other features.

You brought it up initially so why dont you put your money where your mouth is and do it yourself.

[eisbaer]

didnt think so, this forum is shit!

 

[Waldo]

Huh?  Do what exactly?  You want me to post online confidential secret information?

[MeeLee]

On 7/22/2021 at 9:43 AM, Waldo said:

 

Like what?  You can disable the DRLs in US market regular Fusions (and basically every other Ford), it's not a hybrid unique thing.

 

If you're trying to make the argument that installing a spare in your hybrid Fusion does not change the crash structure, then you really need to support that with some sort of data.

If anything, installing a spare tire should increase the frame rigidity, and the tire is also an EXCELLENT kinetic absorber, so long lugging it down keeps it in place.

Your car is SAFER with a spare tire, not less safe.

[Waldo]

On 8/21/2021 at 9:12 PM, MeeLee said:

If anything, installing a spare tire should increase the frame rigidity, and the tire is also an EXCELLENT kinetic absorber, so long lugging it down keeps it in place.

Your car is SAFER with a spare tire, not less safe.

 

My goodness, please stop this posting of nonsense.  You are not a crash engineer, you don't seem to understand much about physics and you are posting "statements" based on nothing.  If somebody actually took your advice and then got killed, are you ready to go to court to defend yourself if you were sued?

 

Increasing rigidity is the last thing you want in the rear of a car during a crash.  You want that area to crush and absorb the energy.  A tire might absorb some energy true, but the steel wheel does not.  If that steel wheel pushed the floor forward and causes the battery to become disconnected from the floor, now you have a big heavy battery that wants to travel forwards and the rear seats will not be strong enough to hold it back.  The battery can then crush anyone sitting in that back seat.  This of course is just a theory and may or may not be true, but as I said above, people need to understand the risk and be comfortable with that.

[MeeLee]

9 hours ago, Waldo said:

 

My goodness, please stop this posting of nonsense.  You are not a crash engineer, you don't seem to understand much about physics and you are posting "statements" based on nothing.  If somebody actually took your advice and then got killed, are you ready to go to court to defend yourself if you were sued?

 

Increasing rigidity is the last thing you want in the rear of a car during a crash.  You want that area to crush and absorb the energy.  A tire might absorb some energy true, but the steel wheel does not.  If that steel wheel pushed the floor forward and causes the battery to become disconnected from the floor, now you have a big heavy battery that wants to travel forwards and the rear seats will not be strong enough to hold it back.  The battery can then crush anyone sitting in that back seat.  This of course is just a theory and may or may not be true, but as I said above, people need to understand the risk and be comfortable with that.

I can't remember the last time I saw a crash where people got injured because of the spare tire.
If anything, most rear end accidents (especially fatal ones) are due to a not strong enough rear section. usually trucks smashing into cars.
A spare tire might actually alleviate that somewhat, and spare the rear passengers.

 

..Reverse question:
Wil you be the one in court when the rear passenger is crushed into the driver seat?
 

Cars like this are MADE to have a spare tire in it. They're calculated like that. Their crush zone IS calculated with a spare tire in it!

Or are you the 'engineer' here that 'knows it all'?

Edited August 23, 2021 by MeeLee

[Waldo]

16 hours ago, MeeLee said:

I can't remember the last time I saw a crash where people got injured because of the spare tire.
If anything, most rear end accidents (especially fatal ones) are due to a not strong enough rear section. usually trucks smashing into cars.
A spare tire might actually alleviate that somewhat, and spare the rear passengers.

 

..Reverse question:
Wil you be the one in court when the rear passenger is crushed into the driver seat?
 

Cars like this are MADE to have a spare tire in it. They're calculated like that. Their crush zone IS calculated with a spare tire in it!

Or are you the 'engineer' here that 'knows it all'?

 

So are you suggesting that Ford intentionally withheld putting a spare tire in the car knowing that it would be more dangerous?  Do you really think Ford would do that?  Really???

 

Ford has supercomputers that runs 1000's of simulations for all kinds of different crash scenarios on every model.  They don't just rely on "seeing" crashes or surfing the internet for data.  The Fusion platform was designed to accommodate a spare tire, it wasn't designed for a huge hybrid battery.  It's the installation of the battery that changes the way the crash structure works and Ford determined that it was safer without the spare.  Not sure why you can't accept at least that possibility?

[MeeLee]

5 hours ago, Waldo said:

 

So are you suggesting that Ford intentionally withheld putting a spare tire in the car knowing that it would be more dangerous?  Do you really think Ford would do that?  Really???

 

Ford has supercomputers that runs 1000's of simulations for all kinds of different crash scenarios on every model.  They don't just rely on "seeing" crashes or surfing the internet for data.  The Fusion platform was designed to accommodate a spare tire, it wasn't designed for a huge hybrid battery.  It's the installation of the battery that changes the way the crash structure works and Ford determined that it was safer without the spare.  Not sure why you can't accept at least that possibility?

Chill out man!

No, Ford just wants to save $$ and weight. That's all.
Maybe being held liable for the spare tire rotting due to being used one time in 10 years, and popping.

You speak almost as if you were the one engineering the thing! And I seriously have my doubts that your assumptions are even close to correct.
There's no structural reason why the spare tire was removed.
Battery has nothing to do with it.
If they want to, the spare tire shoots out at the bottom of the car upon impact, not into the battery, or back seat.
The Ford car, like 99% of the cars, have been designed WITH spare tire in mind. That includes the crumple zones.
So I don't know what it is you want to prove, but supercomputers, 1000s of simulations, hybrid battery, all has zero to do with the safety of installing a spare tire, and the fact that it makes the car SAFER, not less safe, like you say!

Edited August 24, 2021 by MeeLee

[Cobra348]

Waldo ... he's gonna do nothing but bash the very auto he bought.  He obviously did absolutely no research beforehand or he would know that many new vehicles - hybrid or not - do not carry spares any more.  He would also be able to use his head to dope out what you needed to point out.

 

Dunno what was said as I have him on ignore because of the stupidity and disinformation in many of his postings.

[MeeLee]

On 8/24/2021 at 8:07 PM, Cobra348 said:

Waldo ... he's gonna do nothing but bash the very auto he bought.  He obviously did absolutely no research beforehand or he would know that many new vehicles - hybrid or not - do not carry spares any more.  He would also be able to use his head to dope out what you needed to point out.

 

Dunno what was said as I have him on ignore because of the stupidity and disinformation in many of his postings.

Pff! Who are you?

Are you still dick jabbed, because you were wrong on brake lights are necessary on stop lights?
Still crying about it on other forums, even though it was clear there was no rationale there to support your theory?
 

Nothing of what you wrote here addresses anything, or has anything to do with what I wrote, other than baseless accusations!

All I said, was that a spare tire, does actually reinforce the vehicle, not take away from it.
Why else do you think Tesla got a 5 star crash score?
it wasn't because the vehicle has excellent crush zones!
It actually has none between the wheels due to the battery.
All you're doing is reinforcing the frame with a spare tire.
 

Misinformation, lolz! ?

Why don't you go back to school, and get a GED before you start flinging your accusations about your own inadequacies?
 

[Waldo]

Crumple zones are not between the wheels.  If the vehicle crumpled between the wheels people would die.  Reinforcing things in the crumple zone is not a good idea.  The basic Fusion does well in rear crashes despite having a spare tire, not because of it.  But the base Fusion doesn't have a battery to get in the way like the hybrid does, and thus things are DIFFERENT!!

 

You clearly don't understand the physics of vehicle crashes, so please stop posting potentially dangerous advice on public forums.  Recommending that somebody modify their vehicle from factory configuration to make it SAFER without any actual knowledge or testing of the idea is irresponsible and could even land you as the subject of a lawsuit.

[MeeLee]

On 8/27/2021 at 12:21 PM, Waldo said:

ple zones are not between the wheels.  If the vehicle crumpled between the wheels people would die.  Reinforcing things in the crumple zone is not a good idea.  The basic Fusion does well in rear crashes despite having a spare tire, not because of it.  But the base Fusion doesn't have a battery to get in the way like the hybrid does, and thus things are DIFFERENT!!

 

You clearly don't understand the physics of vehicle crashes, so please stop posting potentially dangerous advice on public forums.  Recommending that somebody modify their vehicle from factory configuration to make it SAFER without any actual knowledge or testing of the idea is irresponsible and could even land you as the subject of a lawsuit

No!
I think you need to re-read what I wrote.
I never said that the rear tire should be installed for increased safety.
I said installing it doesn't make the car less safe, and increases frame rigidity (especially in a crash).

There will be no lawsuits because a spare tire was installed.
That's FUD!

[Steve2525]

Have a 2015 Fusion Hybrid with 225/50r17 tires.  Now using a T155/70r17 donut spare that has same 5X4.25” (aka 5X108mm) bolt pattern as the wheels on car and a jack and wrench from a 2002 Ford Windstar.  I recall that spare was from a wrecked Escape, 2016 I think.  I’m sure other Fords have same spare.  Some higher trim Escapes have an aluminum spare with same donut tire.  For trial drive, I put the spare on driver’s side front and took ~4 mile round trip to grocery store.  For jacking the car, instructions from a 2013 Fusion owner's manual worked fine.  You’ll need to be careful to keep Windstar wrench aligned to avoid rounding off the cheap capped OEM wheel lug nuts or replace with aftermarket solid lug nuts.  On the trial drive, car did pull intermittently to right (opposite side vs. spare), as if differential was frequently over compensating for spare have 0.32” less height and 1” less circumference vs. the 225/50r17 tires on rest of car.  But it was an easy drive and no bells and whistles when off, so I’m confident that spare is good enough to get someone to a tire shop.  It barely fits in the Fusion hybrid spare wheel well in trunk once the foam insert holding the fix a flat kit is removed.  If you want a narrower spare (but similar tire height and circumference) for a better fit in trunk, I’ve seen elsewhere on this forum that some get a T125/80r16 spare from a Ford Focus or Fusion wreck and remount a T135/90r16 from a Nissan wreck on that wheel.  I’m sure there are other suitable options with 5X4.25” bolt pattern.  Oh, there is a ~2” hole at base of my Fusion hybrid spare wheel well that the foam insert covered that I re-covered with duct tape before storing the spare.