Front-end groan

[Zeeky]

Hey gang, looking for some advice. I have a 2012 Focus that I purchased with 9500 miles on it in January. Currently, I have about 11850 miles on the car.

Something I have noticed is that I am getting a groan out of the friend end of the car when turning the wheel very far to either side. I have searched the forums here, and recall someone mentioning a groan when turning slowly, but mine seems to be getting worse.

I pretty much drive the exact same route/mileage Monday - Friday, so I have intentionally been listening for the groan at certain turns. Originally, it would only happen when I was backing up and turning (worse when backing down a slight incline at my local Subway that I visit every day). Now though, I notice it pretty much any time I turn into a parking space. I hear it more from the right front than the left front, but it does happen on both sides.

My previous car was an old "boat", and I heard a similar noise when I was turning it. However, I don't expect such a noise from a car that is essentially a year old. I don't drive the car wildly, and have never hit anything with it. It is weird though... the car just feels like it is 15 years old when trying to turn into a parking space. It is actually to the point that doing most any turning at all feels exactly like the '97 Chevy Lumina I owned before I got the Focus. It almost feels like I am driving a car that wasn't built to make turns.

I don't mind taking it to a local dealer, but when I tried to do so once before on a different matter, it was a bit of a fiasco. I called the dealer, and the tech said to just show up. I said "don't you need my name?", and he said "nope, just show up anytime". So, the next day I showed up, and I talked to the service tech. He said "you must have talked to the quick lane tech...we are booked up." I went to the quick lane part of the dealership, and that tech said "you must have talked to the other tech...I am booked up". It was a 4 hour wait on either lane. That said, I really want to make sure there isn't anything I can do myself before I try to schedule another trip with the dealer.

Any thoughts?

[Sponsor]

[dyn085]

Moved to Mk3 TSB's, Recalls, and Problems Archive.

While I don't have any specific recommendations for this problem, I would look around in here and try a search for 'steering rack'. I seem to remember a recall or TSB for it, I just don't know offhand why or what it was about.

[FordCustomerService]

Originally Posted by Zeeky

...I don't mind taking it to a local dealer, but when I tried to do so once before on a different matter, it was a bit of a fiasco. I called the dealer, and the tech said to just show up. I said "don't you need my name?", and he said "nope, just show up anytime". So, the next day I showed up, and I talked to the service tech. He said "you must have talked to the quick lane tech...we are booked up." I went to the quick lane part of the dealership, and that tech said "you must have talked to the other tech...I am booked up". It was a 4 hour wait on either lane...

Hi Zeeky,

I want to get your regional customer service manager (CSM) involved so they can help. Send me a PM with your VIN, preferred servicing dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name. I'll bring this to the attention of your CSM and ensure you're contacted.

Crystal