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2012 Titanium Front Strut Low Speed Noise (Clunk/Rattle)

645K views 3K replies 293 participants last post by  alex_5161 
#1 ·
My 2012 Titanium has an annoying low speed strut rattle. When it was new it wasn't there. It took a few weeks to materialize. It's only heard at low speeds. While turning or braking it is super noticeable. The service department freely acknowledged the sound was there. I must give them credit for not denying it.
We took the car to the dealer ship, and found nothing "technically" wrong. They greased the front strut bushings and the sounds went away for about two weeks. Yes. It really wasn't there anymore. I was thrilled.
However, it returned at the same exact rate and loudness as when I first bought it.
Now that it's been a couple months the sound is back full and loud.
The sound IS strut related. I know enough about automotive mechanics not to to be fooled by other sounds and noises. Since the grease made the sound go away for a short time the issue is clearly a strut issue.

Does anyone else have this problem?
The solution so far is only very temporary. I'd like to know if others are getting this noise.
Will Ford or the strut manufacturer make right on this? That remains to be seen.
 
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#61 ·
I have the same problem with mine. Dealership could not replicate the problem. Low speed clunk over speed bumps and potholes. It has to be in the struts or swaybar end links. This is my first ford ever owned bought brand new and kind of dissappointed with it. 2000 miles and problems the dealer cant find. Traded in my 03 mazda protege that i purchased new. Never had any problems at all had 115k when i traded it in.[:(!]
 
#62 ·
Mine is doing the same thing now. Started as an intermittent noise, and I was waiting for it to become constant so I can replicate it once I get to the dealership.

Making an appointment for next week, just hope I can get them to either fix it while I wait, or can get a loaner car. I take mine to a dealership over 60 miles away, hate to waste a whole day to find out they either dont hear it, or I need to come back.

I will report back when I find out what they have to say!
 
#63 ·
Mine has been making the same noise that is being described in this thread. It was a lot worse when I had my family for a visit and more people were in the car. I'm going to have the dealership take a look at it when I bring it in for an oil change. That is of course if the oil change light ever comes on. Have a little over 7k miles on it.
 
#70 · (Edited)
Well I got my Focus back from the dealer last week after they replaced the Left lower control arm. I was told that after first replacing the part that the car was still making the noise so they removed the lower control arm and found that it shipped with no grease. They greased and re-installed the part and the noise was gone. I asked if the right side had grease and the service advisor (not the tech) said yes so I hope they indeed verifiy this. This brings up something I saw in some pictures that I took awhile back prior to this repair. If you look at both bushings for LT and RT Lower control arms there is a rust colored dusting on the inside of both bushings to me as a technician it's source is most likley metal to metal wear and as the small particles of steel stick to the rubber bushing they will then oxidize/rust possibly indicating what I see in the photos. Now does anyone else with an issue similar to mine have this same rusty color on the bushings?

Talking to a friend at work he brought up the fact that it may be brake/rotor dust and I think he is right. My doomsday theory goes pop.



 
#72 ·
The way it was explained to me it appears so.The tech had to remove the arm to apply the grease this is what I was told. Perhaps a Ford Tech on this forum could chime in on the specifics like I hope that there is a groove or such for allowing more than a thin film to be applied and a seal to keep it all in?
 
#74 ·
This is from last October/November. The PMs were between myself and Natasha, and she escalated my issue to Yolanda, and then we tried another dealer. Issue is still not resolved, and I get frustrated every time I visit a Ford dealer, I have decided to wait until whatever the issue is finally brakes off the car, and they have to tow back in. I can't imagine the dealer or Ford can claim this is "normal" at that point.

Natasha or Yolanda can't really provide any guidance to the tech or service department. Once they hand me off to the dealer, then the actual work is based on what the tech and the Ford Tech Hotline have to say about it. It seems like all the information available to yourself, Natasha and Yolanda collected from these forums just gets tossed out the window. Ford Customer Service sees these complaints over and over on these forums, yet when we arrive at the dealer, we are treated as this is the first time they have ever seen/heard of this, and if there isn't a TSB, very few people can get their dealer to do any work.
 
#76 ·
This is from last October/November. The PMs were between myself and Natasha, and she escalated my issue to Yolanda, and then we tried another dealer. Issue is still not resolved...
Hey theos2,

I see. Thank you that information. The option to re-escalate the concern is available. If you desire to do so, please PM your VIN, phone number, mileage, and dealer information and I can begin the escalation process.

I have an appointment at the dealer I bought the car from...I also understand my CSM has been trying to get in touch with me via my home phone, I'll be sending you a PM regarding that now...
Morning Zillon,

Great to hear! I've forwarded the info you provided me to the Customer Service Manager. Please keep me posted on the results of the visit.

Take care and have a GREAT weekend!

Noemi
 
#77 ·
Well, the dealership had my car since Wednesday, and guess what?

IT'S NORMAL !!!

The sound I am hearing is a result of the type of sway bars and suspension they use and there is nothing that can be done!?

AMAZING!!

On top of the fact my window is busted and not being fixed due to having window tint, I believe I will be looking for cars this weekend. I have never experienced anything like this before in my life....As much as I hate to say it, Honda goes the extra mile to keep their customers happy. I cannot believe everything is excuses and BS on a NEW car with only 4500 miles on it!!
 
#78 ·
That's totally unacceptable. I can't believe that their response was such. I thought that a "quiet" vehicle was one of most manufactures design critera??
I can tell you that so far my clunk is still gone after the left lower control arm replacement and now I am left with the "bucket of marbles" sound from the transmission. I sent a PM to Noemi in hopes that it can be eliminated.
I had a 2004 Toyota Camry that this car replaced and it was in the shop "0" ZERO times for any issues in the 95K I owned it.
 
#81 ·
I Just got mine back, all the parts changed included the Rack and Pinion with associated hardware, both front spring and both front strut bearings with all the associated hardware. They also inspected the lower trans/motor mounts. So far no noise but I will keep an ear out to see if it comes back. My dealer has been great in taking care of my FF.[driving][driving]
 
#83 ·
Fix it yourself? Are you crazy, why risk voiding your warranty? They fix it for FREE, take it in to get fixed. I normally fix my cars myself, been a mech for over 20 yrs, but when it comes to warranty work I leave it to them
 
#84 ·
They fix it for free only if your dealership acknowledges there is a problem. Mine refuses to call it anything but normal.

I have a set of Eibach Pro-kit springs I've had laying around for two months while I've been waiting for this suspension clunk to get resolved, and I'm tired of the run-around and the attitude from the service team. So, I'll be installing the springs at work tonight.
 
#85 ·
I would print out the TSB to show them there is an issue, if they refuse call Fomoco and file a complaint then find another dealer
 
#86 ·
TSB for what? Strut noise? There isn't one. The only TSBs that exist are for the steering rack, DCT, and MFT. Additionally, there's the recall for the windshield wiper motor wiring. No TSB for suspension, not that I know of, or that anyone has actually acknowledged.

Anyways, the springs are installed, noise is 95% eliminated, and the car handles much better. I'm happy. Should've done this a long time ago.
 
#87 ·
I took mine in for the lane swerving and Noise, they said there was a TSB out there covering the front suspension, but I think he worded it a little differently to help take care of the problem and to create a Case regarding the noise in the suspension.
 
#94 ·
From what another focus Owner said was the noise was from the lower control arm. There was no grease from the factory and the noise was gone. I have not seen any post about the problem since.

It was screen name: bobakman
 
#88 ·
Hello all. First post, but been reading this forum for a couple weeks now. I too have noticed a peculiar noise coming from the front end, but after driving my 98 escort with 170,000 miles on it, I sometimes wonder to myself if I am a bit paranoid on car noise. But, after reading this, I will most definitely be taking this back to the dealer. I will post an update as soon as I have one.
 
#91 ·
I would suggest you try to convince the service manager to ride in the car with you so you can point out the noise. I took my car in for service and requested they also look into a rattle that was coming from my MFT screen. When the service was completed, I was told the noise could not be found, that the manager even went out with the tech and couldn't detect the noise. As soon as I pulled out of the lot I heard the rattle. I turned right around and had the manager hop in the car with me and we took a ride. Needless to say, he became aware of the noise when he rode with me. I'm taking my car back in to hopefully get it fixed.
 
#92 ·
Rode with the service advisor and rode with the shop team leader. Had the car road tested. Both treated me as though I was wasting their time, and denied hearing a thing on our test drives, calling anything they did hear normal.

I don't recommend McCafferty Ford to anyone.

I'll be going elsewhere from now on.
 
#95 ·
Noemi, where do you mean to post on the Social.Ford.com? If any of the FF owners are in the Indianapolis area, hit up Burd Ford and talk to Ernest
 
#96 ·
Noemi, where do you mean to post on the Social.Ford.com?...
Hi stang74shelby,

The link I provided on the previous post will have several options on the top. If you click on the YOUR STORY button, a menu will unfold giving you a several vehicle choices. One on them will be the FOCUS. Once you click on that button, you'll see the SUBMIT YOUR STORY option. Press that button and post away!

Send me a link!

Noemi
 
#97 ·
So I am here at north county ford in vista ca, getting my first oil change, and to have them fix the rattle.

Sure enough the guy says that he can't reproduce the sound.

I explained that of you raise the car and hit he wheel with a rubber mallet, the sound comes from about 8 inched back and 8 inches inboard from the left front wheel.

I show him that if you kick the wheel, it makes he noise. He is bringing back to the lift to try it again. I will post back in a couple minutes. I guess I will go to every dealer in town this week, since I'm on a one week break.

I was at least a bit surprised that they tried that routine given how easy it is to make the noise.

Uuuhhhggg I hate this. It seems that the dealer should be motivated to fix stuff like this
 
#110 ·
So I am here at north county ford in vista ca, getting my first oil change, and to have them fix the rattle.
Sure enough the guy says that he can't reproduce the sound...
Hey Lipshurt,

I’m available to help by arranging a call from the Customer Service Manager in your area. For me to lend a hand, please send a PM with your contact information, dealer name/state, approximate mileage, and the VIN.

I am having the same problem with mine. It is from the front right wheel area, clunking/knocking noises at low speeds. First time the dealer machined the rotor...
Approaching 7500 mi and I've just started noticing the same rattle/clunking sound coming from the driver's side front area at low speeds.
Hi SD Focus1 & OreFocus,

Please make an appointment with your dealer and PM me with your VIN, dealer, mileage, full name, and best daytime number so I can get this escalated to the Customer Service Manager for your area.

I am bringing mine in for the noise again. I will have them check the motor mount. Thx for the info
Had mine in to the dealer today for this problem...
I just had mine fixed today at the dealer...Mine seems to be good now I just picked it up today.
Hello gtncpa & jpaul

A visit to the local Ford dealer is a first great step. [:)]

In the event further assistance is needed, please send a PM with your contact information, dealer name/state, approximate mileage, and the VIN.

Have a good evening all!

Noemi
 
#98 ·
So the the "tech" says that all of the cars on the lot make the same noise.

I have a friend that owns an independent BMW shop, and I'll take it here and find the rattle myself.

I wonder if here is a way to send ford the bill for that kind of of work.

It's got to be a brake line or fuel line rattling, something has no standard repair procedure. That is why the tech can't find it, it is something he never was taught.

I'm sure it won't take too long to find and fix it, just by insulating rattles and tapping around. The tech says its none of the major components, and I tend to aggree. It's just two things touching that should not be touching.
 
#99 ·
So the the "tech" says that all of the cars on the lot make the same noise.

I have a friend that owns an independent BMW shop, and I'll take it here and find the rattle myself.

I wonder if here is a way to send ford the bill for that kind of of work.

It's got to be a brake line or fuel line rattling, something has no standard repair procedure. That is why the tech can't find it, it is something he never was taught.
"tech" hehehe

I doubt you could bill Ford... [:(] sometimes having a new car really is a pain in the butt!
 
#100 ·
Ok so check this out.....

It might be fixed, but I will know more after it cools off.sometimes when it's hot the noise goes away, but it's acting like a whole new suspension.

I had the "works" package done which is free, and that may have included greasing the sway bar bushings or something because in addition to not having the rattle anymore (maybe) the loud noise made by suspension when going or speed bumps is almost totally gone. That noise did not bother me enough to mention it. But that noise was really quite loud like the sound a strut extending but way louder. That was probably the sway bar twisting in the rubber bushing when both wheel hit the speed bump at the same time.

The tech said he could find nothing wrong, but they for sure did something down there. I will wait till tomorrow or so and if it's fixed I'll go ack and ask them what they did.

One thing they did was to rotate the tires. They may have changed the pressure too I guess.

Crossing my fingers
 
#102 ·
I am having the same problem with mine. It is from the front right wheel area, clunking/knocking noises at low speeds. First time the dealer machined the rotor, thinking it was a brake issue. So I took it back today for a moonroof leak (during rain) and the knocking issue. They gave me a 2012 SEL Sedan as a loaner. So far I have not heard the knocking noise on the loaner.
 
#106 ·
I poked around a bit but with the car sitting on the wheels, not on a lift.

I may have found the main rattle....

It could be the plastic liner inside the wheel well. If you flick your finger on it I makes he rattling sound. I insulated each side with some rubber, and I believe it is for sure much better. I did it two days ago, and still feels like its vastly improved. Occasionally I will hear what sounds like the very beginning of he rattle sound, but it does not have any sustained sound.

I also adjusted the hood, and insulated the hood, because it also made the same rattling sound if you tapped certain ways. I did not notice anything from that tough.

I will live with this for a while and update in a few more days. Crossing my fingers:)
 
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