Rattle over bumps - front end? - Page 2

gzrfun · 01-28-2013, 11:45 AM

I visited this thread because there seemed to be a intermittent rattle on the right front and right side of the car. It was really noticeable one morning on a rough section of road and seemed to be coming from the passenger door. Now, I had a bunch of stuff in the console drink holder (chapstick, pen, alarm remote, and other loose stuff), I reached my hand in to see if the rattle was coming from there. Sure enough, the rattle stopped. To confirm that was the problem I placed a soft cloth in the holder, lining the drink holder, and the rattles stopped.

It seems that a rattle caused by stuff in the drink holder does an acoustic trick and sounds like the rattle is coming from the right side of the car. Check for loose stuff in the various plastic storage areas for loose stuff, pad it with a soft cloth or remove it to see if that stops your rattles.

FordCustomerService · 01-28-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegachicago

Rattle is there even when braking. Would the calipers or pads still make noise when applied? Can they rattle regardless of application of the brakes?

I’m sorry for not seeing this thread sooner, vegachicago. If you still have a rattle, I can help by forwarding the info to your regional customer service manager. Please be sure to PM me your VIN, full name, approximate mileage, best daytime phone number, and dealer name/state.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogey

...when i tap it the sound is similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twenty

Sounds like mine. "Metallic rattle" is exactly how I've been describing it...

Bogey & Twenty,

Because y’all live north of the border, I suggest speaking with one of the wonderful Ford Canada agents at 1-800-565-3673 so they can lend a hand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gzrfun

...It seems that a rattle caused by stuff in the drink holder does an acoustic trick and sounds like the rattle is coming from the right side of the car. Check for loose stuff in the various plastic storage areas for loose stuff, pad it with a soft cloth or remove it to see if that stops your rattles.

Very nice investigating, gzrfun! Thanks for spreading the tip.

Cory

vegachicago · 01-28-2013, 08:26 PM

Cory, I'll get the info to you ASAP. Thanks

Strix · 01-28-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegachicago

It's been to the dealer 2 times with no luck.

Par for the course, my friend. You just have to take it back a few more times, maybe to another dealership, maybe have a few chats with Ford Customer Service.

Eventually your car will get fixed.

Or not.

dapainta · 01-28-2013, 08:54 PM

Have you guys check any heat shields. Steel and aluminum don't mix we'll and the mounting nut on the shields can go right through the shield. Also check the sway bar links. They can make a noise over bumps it their worn.

nseah · 01-29-2013, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegachicago

I've got a front end rattle over small bumps or rough road. Seems to maybe be on the left driver side area. Not the transmission shifting or brakes since the noise is there with brakes applied or just coasting. This is not a clunk, just a metallic kind of rattle. I've checked under my car a number of times with a rubber mallet and cannot find anything. Not my Kysor shutters, or plastic rattle.
However, I find that if I raise the car and hit my axle, it almost makes the sound. Maybe a loose or worn carrier or axle bearing. It's been to the dealer 2 times with no luck. Does Not seem temperature sensitive either. Driving me nuts! I have around 8500 on the odometer. HELP

Same thing happened in my car. I didn't think much of it (although my experience was it was sort of temperature sensitive). Was at the dealer for a MFT issue, so i mentioned the suspension noise to see if they had time to look at it. Driver took it around the block couldn't hear anything. Then i told him to drive over a small speed bump, then he heard the crunching sound.

Turns out that the springs, struts and bearings all needed to be replaced, and in turn it screwed up the alignment very very badly. Apparently it's a common issue for MK3 with build dates before April 2012.

After taking it home it drives like a dream! just like the car i test drove and loved. Weirdly even the transmission shifts smoother. i use to get a tiny grinding sound going into 1st and from 1st to 2nd gear. But now i get no grinding, and i feel like it has a lot more power now. On the summary sheet i didn't see that they did any work on the transmission so i'm not sure why suspension work would effect transmission but just saying what i'm observing in my car. I now have the focus I wanted when i bought it!

FordCustomerService · 01-29-2013, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegachicago

Cory, I'll get the info to you ASAP. Thanks

vegachicago,

You got it. I’ll keep an eye out for your PM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strix

...You just have to take it back a few more times, maybe to another dealership, maybe have a few chats with Ford Customer Service...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dapainta

...Also check the sway bar links. They can make a noise over bumps it their worn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nseah

...After taking it home it drives like a dream! just like the car i test drove and loved...I now have the focus I wanted when i bought it!

Thanks for the recommendations and for taking the time to help, guys.

Cory

kam327 · 01-29-2013, 07:56 AM

Check for the rocks described here.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302938

It is a metallic-ish rattle, but it's speed-sensitive which you didn't mention so it's likely not your problem. But something easy to check anyway.

Strix · 01-29-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCustomerService

Thanks for the recommendations and for taking the time to help, guys.

Anytime, Cory.

To everyone having problems with their car:

You can just take to any Ford dealership and be told that your problems are 'normal'.

And just like that, the problem will be 'solved'.

For Ford, anyways.