[ReDDoT]

I love my '13 Focus and never really had any problems with it, until one thing about 3-4 months ago and is still here to this day.

The car is 1 year old and has 12,000 miles on it.

What I noticed is that if I am turning the wheel when standing still or at very low speeds (either left or right) I hear a not too loud noise that sounds like a coil or a spring popping. This doesn't happen every day, sometimes it is completely quiet and fine, sometimes it is quite loud. I seem to think that this sound comes back on hotter days. Usually the sound starts to happen after one rotation of the wheel.

Either way, here is what my dealership has done so far:

1) First time I reported the noise, they found a TSB 13-12-9 for clunking in the front strut area. Removed bump stops and lubed up underneath the reisntalled parts.

But the noise remained.

2) Took it back to dealership. They said it was the steering column and they greased it up and said that would fix it.

But the noise remained.

3) Took it back for the third time. Then they found that the a rubber boot was not placed the right way. Fixed it and said it was gone.

But the noise remained. I took the main mechanic for a quick ride and he could hear the noise loud and clear.

4) Took it back for the fourth time, thehy said both strut mounts were found noisey. Replaced both strut mounts and said the noise was gone. Replaced the bearings as well.

Guess what. The noise is still there.

Dealership then said that they pretty much replaced everything and looked at all possible things that can be making the noise (rack, etc). They took the front apart, put the card on all the diagnostic equipment and cannot figure it out.

As of last week they took it up to higher up in Ford. That's where I am at now.

I am wondering if someone heard of anything similar and if they could suggest something!

 

[CunFFS13]

Sorry to hear that! Good luck... Your dealer looks very helpful to your business, that's good! My local dealer ain't do anything for me

 

[wavsine]

I love my '13 Focus and never really had any problems with it, until one thing about 3-4 months ago and is still here to this day.

The car is 1 year old and has 12,000 miles on it.

What I noticed is that if I am turning the wheel when standing still or at very low speeds (either left or right) I hear a not too loud noise that sounds like a coil or a spring popping. This doesn't happen every day, sometimes it is completely quiet and fine, sometimes it is quite loud. I seem to think that this sound comes back on hotter days. Usually the sound starts to happen after one rotation of the wheel.

Either way, here is what my dealership has done so far:

1) First time I reported the noise, they found a TSB 13-12-9 for clunking in the front strut area. Removed bump stops and lubed up underneath the reisntalled parts.

But the noise remained.

2) Took it back to dealership. They said it was the steering column and they greased it up and said that would fix it.

But the noise remained.

3) Took it back for the third time. Then they found that the a rubber boot was not placed the right way. Fixed it and said it was gone.

I know you said they performed the TSB to grease the bump stops but I have reservations that they did it correctly, especially since you said a boot was not placed the right way. What you are describing is a classic boot stop clunk. Here is what it sounds like under the car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT9GwrJbN4g&feature=youtu.be

I would have them pull the boots down again and make sure they are properly greased per TSB 13-12-09

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...bUEsr_SaqgCQH6M1ekk0ptQ&bvm=bv.71778758,d.aWw

 

[ReDDoT]

I know you said they performed the TSB to grease the bump stops but I have reservations that they did it correctly, especially since you said a boot was not placed the right way. What you are describing is a classic boot stop clunk. Here is what it sounds like under the car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT9GwrJbN4g&feature=youtu.be

I would have them pull the boots down again and make sure they are properly greased per TSB 13-12-09

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...bUEsr_SaqgCQH6M1ekk0ptQ&bvm=bv.71778758,d.aWw

Thanks for the advice! I will call up the dealership and suggest poking around there again. It would be so nice if that noise was gone. It is more of an annoyance, other than that, the car is absolutely great!

 

[wacky]

lemon law?

 

[ReDDoT]

lemon law?

How would that work in this case?

 

[wacky]

my understanding is that if you've taken your vehicle back for 3-4 fixes on the same issue, it can be classified as a 'lemon' and FoMoCo would be involved in replacing your vehicle.
I'm not sure about this though. Maybe other forum members have a greater expertise on this.

Consult with your dealership as well. I believe to start the process, you'll need to send in a letter to FoMoCo detailing the issue and the attempted fixes.

 

[doomi]

Sorry to hear that! Good luck... Your dealer looks very helpful to your business, that's good! My local dealer ain't do anything for me

This. If they can't immediate recreate the issue they don't give a shit.

 

[Seminoles]

Have them try driving it with chassis ears on and listen for CV joint popping. Had one brake when making a sharp U turn after filling up at a gas station.

 

[Garyshome]

Time for a second opinion! Check for someone local who works on fords.

 

[a.das]

Does your car sound anything like this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H24DK8_osSw

My car had a problem just like that video and I also took it to multiple dealerships with nobody able to figure out what the sound is. The most frustrating part was the mechanics could not replicate the sound as well. Finally one mechanic was able to replicate it and found out the sound was coming from the heat shield. I hope that helps.

 

[Gudziel]

When i make sharp left or right turns, accelerate while turning, or hit bumps while turning, i will hear a kinda clunking/grinding noise below me and the steering wheel. It's rough and makes me grit my teeth. Almost sounds like that first video linked but mine is an 07 ZX4.

Any ideas, please? I push down on the front, nothing. I do sharp doughnuts at 5mph, nothing. Anyone?

 

[NavyZX5]

I had a 1991 Escort GT that had some similar 'pop' noise on turns. Turned out to be something in the firewall framing, or where it was mated to the inner fender, and there was a TSB on it. Maybe same area?

 

[TCOC rel1]

I'd tell em to replace your RMM with an electric mount, swear you feel the engine move when the noise happens.

 

[block]

Has it been fixed? would be nice to let us know the solution so people have the answer years form now. Noises when turning sounds like it could also be the CV joint, as a person mentioned above.
I think I heard a very slight clunk a few times. My 2013 sport only has 4-5k on it. they designed something in the front end on the 2015's to make them quieter I read somewhere (or 2014's? pretty sure it's the 2015). I wonder if the changes can be retrofitted.

 

[ReDDoT]

Has it been fixed? would be nice to let us know the solution so people have the answer years form now. Noises when turning sounds like it could also be the CV joint, as a person mentioned above.
I think I heard a very slight clunk a few times. My 2013 sport only has 4-5k on it. they designed something in the front end on the 2015's to make them quieter I read somewhere (or 2014's? pretty sure it's the 2015). I wonder if the changes can be retrofitted.

So here's an update.

Another dealership visit later - they did everything possible "by the book" over at ford.

I suggested we put more grease in / check to make sure enough grease was put in the rubber part as per TSB - and everything checked out.

However the noise stayed.

At this point, my dealership cannot do more, they're trying to reach out to ford to see what can be done.


To me, personally, it sounds like the plastic part that needed to be greased up is making that noise (tension-like). It is hard to say because sometimes it goes away, sometimes its really obvious.

I don't really know what to do. I appreciate all the replies in this thread!

 

[Gudziel]

When I got my car back from getting my suspension overhaul, I purposely tried to hit the bumps and turns that would initiate the pop/creak/grind noise. Well I couldn't get it to do it (knock on wood). I had the following replaced and installed:
- Shocks struts springs
- Front end links
- Front sway bar
- motor mounts

In sure this won't help but just thought I'd mention it. Goodluck

 

[ReDDoT]

When I got my car back from getting my suspension overhaul, I purposely tried to hit the bumps and turns that would initiate the pop/creak/grind noise. Well I couldn't get it to do it (knock on wood). I had the following replaced and installed:
- Shocks struts springs
- Front end links
- Front sway bar
- motor mounts

In sure this won't help but just thought I'd mention it. Goodluck

Thanks for sharing it.

I really don't think its suspension. I did the same thing and nothing comes out.

My noise appears only when turning left or right

 

[focusoner]

How would that work in this case?

Ask yourself this. If you were looking to buy this car from a dealership or private party and it made the noises you describe, would you still be interested in buying? Or would you think the noises significantly affect the asking price? If Ford can't fix the problem, eventually you will be faced with these questions. Your trade-in value will be affected. I suggest looking into your state's lemon laws to see if this qualifies. You can always do a search and speak to a lemon law attorney free of charge to see what they can suggest.
Do you have in writing from the dealership that they acknowledge the noises do exist? If not, get them to, without that you don't have a case.

 

[SilverPony2001]

It's probably the strut bearings. They are crap. I have the same "popping" feel/noise in my car as well.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315646

(See post #13)