Ford Focus Engine Noise / Woes

2L84SLEEP · 12 Dec 2009 at 22:45

Hi all

Wondering if anyone may have any idea what is causing the following -

Had a noise coming from the engine of my 53 plate Ford Focus 1.6 for just over a month and a bit now. Been away on holiday, went to start the car today and the noise was the worst I have heard. Going to take it to a Ford garage tomorrow but just thought I would check first to see if anyone might have any ideas what it is.

The only way I can describe the noise is if you imagine putting a playing card against a spinning bikes tyre but obviously more metallic in nature. Main occurences are when accelerating when just changed gear or if I have been driving along and maybe drop a gear for a roundabout, really noticeable when slowly accelerating round the roundabout. It hasnt effected performance but the noise was just so noticeable today. Seems to ease off the higher the gear I am in.

Thanks for any advice and let me know if there is anything else I can tell you that might help

BigglesPiP · 12 Dec 2009 at 23:22

Probably an idler/tensioner. Maybe a clutch release bearing.

2L84SLEEP · 13 Dec 2009 at 13:40

Just been having a look under the hood in the daylight. If I am standing in front of the car, on the left hand side of the engine, there is a belt going round and the noise 'seems to be coming from the unit that is holding this on near the top of the engine :confused:

MrMoonX · 13 Dec 2009 at 19:12

alternator bearings maybe?

BigglesPiP · 13 Dec 2009 at 22:43

MrMoonX said:
alternator bearings maybe?

That would be annoying, they're not cheap.

I'd have the aux belt off and feel all the bearings, it'll be clear which one is rough. Hopefully it is just a tensioner or idler.