2013 Focus owners, I need your help!

[Zillon]

Hey guys,

Long story short, over the last year, I've been through a nightmare with front suspension clunking issues on my 2012 Focus. I've tried multiple fixes on my own coin; new springs, new dampers, new strut mounts, new strut bearings, new strut mount bolts, higher torque specs, etc. While the stiffer ST strut mounts did help a lot, the noise is still present.

As of tonight, though, something critical has possibly come to light.

Here's a photo of a 2013 Focus Titanium strut tower (courtesy of Phokus):


For comparison purposes, here's a photo of my strut tower on my '12 SE.


Note the thicker bolt spacer and the fact that my car does NOT have the 4-5mm thick steel plate under the factory strut tower brace. This plate signifies that Ford has recognized that there was a problem with early production vehicles, and has fixed it with the addition of that plate. However, though it seems that they have found a fix, they have refused to even offer this as a fix to existing 2012 owners, of which there are dozens, with the same issue. While some have had success in getting Ford to replace parts under warranty, the noise always comes back, or never even goes away. I also haven't see any complaints from 2013 Focus owners about suspension noise.

Here's my request: Tell me whether you have had any issues with clunks or rattles from the front strut area. List your build date, and trim level. Also, if you can, I just need a few of you to grab a quick photo of your strut tower area on your car, similar to the photo of the 2013 Focus Ti that I posted. It doesn't need to be a fancy photo, I just need proof that the 2013 Focus does come with this strut tower plate.

Also, if there are any Ford techs or parts employees on here, it would be super awesome if you could locate the part number for the bolts and the plate. Fordparts.com seems to not have the part listed anywhere.

I would really appreciate any help you could offer. I've wasted far too much time, money, and energy on a problem that Ford refuses to acknowledge with it's customers. Others are suffering from the same frustration. Here's the thread on here about this issue: CLICK.

Thanks guys.

Zack

[jdubhack]

Zack I ran out and snapped these for you:







I do not have that extra plate. 2013 Ti w/ handling pack.

Sorry bro.

[jdubhack]

Also, meant to say, 4500mi and no clunk.

Didn't you have the SE handling pack? Could it be cars w/o that pack have the extra plate? Just tossin' ideas out there.

[Zillon]

Interesting.

What's the build date on your car amigo?

[jdubhack]

8.13.2012

[jdubhack]

I could be wrong...but I think that Phokus and I have the same build date.

[Merrigan]

No noise from mine. 2013 se hatch with sport pack. 3000km in so far. Not sure how to find the build date?

Sent from your mom's house.

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by Merrigan

No noise from mine. 2013 se hatch with sport pack. 3000km in so far. Not sure how to find the build date?

Sent from your mom's house.

Build date should be on the build sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.

Also, do you have the reinforcement plates on your strut towers?

[Merrigan]

I'll check in the morning when I have some light out there!

Sent from your mom's house.

Edit: gonna go grab a coffee and I'll check under a parking lot light for you.

[Zillon]

Originally Posted by Merrigan

I'll check in the morning when I have some light out there!

Sent from your mom's house.

Edit: gonna go grab a coffee and I'll check under a parking lot light for you.

Thanks!