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

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by SportyChick

And when I asked for another Focus as a loaner, I told her I wanted to compare and see what a Focus that is working is supposed to feel like. On my way now to the dealer to get the loaner.

Oh, your dealer has available loaners? Must be nice...

[Zillon]

Clunk is back after 1700 miles on the new parts. I'm attempting to reach out to Ford or SKF and hopefully get some answers.

Everyone who is having issues, and hasn't filled out my clunk survey, get 'er done.

Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...lUekE6MQ#gid=0

Survey results: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...3dTWUpENDlUekE

[Phokus]

So the ST stuff clunks too eh..

I'm at 1132mi on a 2013 though, no clunking yet and I've barreled through my share of road imperfections so far..

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by Phokus

So the ST stuff clunks too eh..

I'm at 1132mi on a 2013 though, no clunking yet and I've barreled through my share of road imperfections so far..

Well, I used the ST-specific strut and mount, but for whatever reason, the bearing stays the same on the ST.

The strut and mount aren't to blame. The bearing is the one thing that has remained constant through my parts replacement process, and it's failed again. Same symptoms, same noise, same corner of the car, even.

FWIW, the driver's side seems to be just fine.

[Phokus]

I commend you guys for putting up with this shenanigans for so long.
Although the Mazda ones may be the same bearings but rebranded and sold at a higher cost, do you think it's worth giving it a try?
Are there other bearings that fit the bill for our cars?

[suss6052]

Originally Posted by Phokus

I commend you guys for putting up with this shenanigans for so long.
Although the Mazda ones may be the same bearings but rebranded and sold at a higher cost, do you think it's worth giving it a try?
Are there other bearings that fit the bill for our cars?

The Mazda 3 used the exact same parts and has the same risk for clunking, ZX3Matt's wife's 2012 3 was also experiencing the suspension clunk/ rattle or so he had mentioned a while ago before dropping off the forum for awhile.

Short of cross referencing a bearing size and load chart it would be hard to guess as to what bearings would work best in aftermarket situations.

SKF, INA/, and other bearing manufacturers may make something suitable, but its going to be hard to keep swapping parts until you find something that works. If its always just the one side is it really the bearing or something to do with that side of the car?

[Zillon]

I think I've mentioned it on here before, but I wouldn't put that out of the question, Suss.

There could be a deformity in the strut tower that unevenly loads the bearing, but that's just me grasping at straws at the moment. The fact that I've had the same corner give me the same problem twice now, leads me to believe there is something inherently wrong with that area of the car, and not just the bearing.

I just know that it isn't the strut or strut mount.

[TboneZX3]

I'm pretty sure I remember someone stating that they had the TSB done on one side, now the other side is rattling... or did I imagine that?

[Mistofoleez]

I can't take it anymore. I'm waiting to find out what a dealer will offer me on a trade-in. We shall see how much of an insult the offer will be.

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by suss6052

Short of cross referencing a bearing size and load chart it would be hard to guess as to what bearings would work best in aftermarket situations.

SKF, INA/, and other bearing manufacturers may make something suitable, but its going to be hard to keep swapping parts until you find something that works. If its always just the one side is it really the bearing or something to do with that side of the car?

When he said the bearing went, I immediately thought of INA/SKF for getting a new bearing with a higher load rating. But unless someone has their old bearing lying around that we could measure/check for markings that would lead us to the rated load, I don't have any plan of action. Good luck, guys!