2012 Titanium Front Strut Low Speed Noise (Clunk/Rattle) - Page 125

wilsonfocus86 · 09-21-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillon

Here are the strut bearing photos some people asked for.

Like I said, aside from some slop in the bearings themselves, they visually appear to be fine.

For a future reference... In your opinion, what do you think is/was causing the "clunkiness" to happen since swapping all the suspension bits out?

Zillon · 09-22-2012, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonfocus86

For a future reference... In your opinion, what do you think is/was causing the "clunkiness" to happen since swapping all the suspension bits out?

It's hard to say, since I replaced so many parts at once. Certainly not the way to troubleshoot something, but I was reaching the end of my wits here.

However, I do believe that the bearings are one of the culprits if not THE culprit. I mean, c'mon... they're made of plastic. The only metal parts in the bearing are the ball bearings themselves and the metal races. The upper and lower halves are both completely plastic, which I find incredible for such a critical load bearing part.

The upper strut mounts could also be another problem area, especially when combined with the strut bearing. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you what the difference is between the ST and non-ST upper strut mount. All that I can say is that the ST strut mount is an entirely different part number.

Additionally, my struts were not leaking in any way or form - I don't think they were to blame. They were underdamped, yes, but I don't think they are the cause of the problem.

Regardless, my solution worked, and is still working. I hit a hole deep enough to bend one of my wheels tonight, and I'm still clunk free.

Still pissed about the wheel, though...

gtncpa · 09-22-2012, 04:12 PM

Here is what they changed on my TI to stop the noise. It has been ok since 09/05/12.

Maybe this can help some people with theirs. Best of luck.

Some Guy From NY · 09-22-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtncpa

Here is what they changed on my TI to stop the noise. It has been ok since 09/05/12.

Maybe this can help some people with theirs. Best of luck.

The rattle on my SEL comes and goes. I can run over the same bumps numerous times and the rattle may or may not happen. This is really frustrating. A new car should not sound like this...and I am just exhausted with bringing it to the dealer who may or may not fix the problem. It doesn't seem like Ford has a definite fix for it yet. From reading this thread, it seems like others have had the same parts you had replaced and the rattling ends up returning anyway.

They fixed the steering wander issue on my car, after waiting weeks for the rack to come in, then having to go back to correct the alignment which they fudged up. They replaced the drooping auto dim mirror, but it still droops every week.

This rattle though is horrible. I am in no position to sell/trade in my BRAND NEW CAR. I was a die hard Ford fan but this is just so incredibly frustrating and cannot be ignored.

edit: It's especially bad recently because the city is tearing up many streets to repave, but until they are repaved they are just a hard rutted surfaces with bumps and manhole covers sticking an inch or 2 out of the ground. Going slow over all this is nonstop rattling.

hand-filer · 09-22-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Some Guy From NY

This rattle though is horrible. I am in no position to sell/trade in my BRAND NEW CAR. I was a die hard Ford fan but this is just so incredibly frustrating and cannot be ignored.

We feel your pain! If I had never bought this car, I too would be a die hard Ford fan. And because the trade in value is dropping like a stone we are stuck with them.
I go for a drive in my Mustang and I think wow, how does a car with the handling package sound so tight and rattle free compared to a new car with 5,000 miles on it.
The Focus does many things right but it was released to the masses half baked.

hand-filer · 09-22-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtncpa

Here is what they changed on my TI to stop the noise. It has been ok since 09/05/12.

Maybe this can help some people with theirs. Best of luck.

May 09 or Sept 05?

Some Guy From NY · 09-22-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hand-filer

We feel your pain! If I had never bought this car, I too would be a die hard Ford fan. And because the trade in value is dropping like a stone we are stuck with them.
I go for a drive in my Mustang and I think wow, how does a car with the handling package sound so tight and rattle free compared to a new car with 5,000 miles on it.
The Focus does many things right but it was released to the masses half baked.

Exactly my thoughts...This car has so much going for it. The looks, the fit&finish of the interior is great, I actually ENJOY MFT unlike many. It has so many features which make it feel like a much more expensive ride. But then there's the small, but rather significant things, such as this rattling and the drooping rear view mirror. The steering rack was a fiasco, but that was repaired and now it drives great (except for the rattling).

I really hope Ford figures out this rattle and repairs it correctly, but I am not holding my breath. Until then I guess I will just live with it

wilsonfocus86 · 09-22-2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zillon

It's hard to say, since I replaced so many parts at once. Certainly not the way to troubleshoot something, but I was reaching the end of my wits here.

However, I do believe that the bearings are one of the culprits if not THE culprit. I mean, c'mon... they're made of plastic. The only metal parts in the bearing are the ball bearings themselves and the metal races. The upper and lower halves are both completely plastic, which I find incredible for such a critical load bearing part.

The upper strut mounts could also be another problem area, especially when combined with the strut bearing. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you what the difference is between the ST and non-ST upper strut mount. All that I can say is that the ST strut mount is an entirely different part number.

Additionally, my struts were not leaking in any way or form - I don't think they were to blame. They were underdamped, yes, but I don't think they are the cause of the problem.

Regardless, my solution worked, and is still working. I hit a hole deep enough to bend one of my wheels tonight, and I'm still clunk free.

Still pissed about the wheel, though...

Thanks so much Zillon for the insight however! It will be a great help down the road, potentially, just to know as knowledge. I'll just live with my half fixed clunk until I can eventually do a swap out way down the road like you, or see if Ford offers a permanent fix.