Creaking Focus

Shmo · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:27

Got a creak on my 2005 Focus coming from the front-end when turning sharply at low speed, pulling out of parking spaces, reversing etc. Dealers said they couldn't hear it / find anything wrong when I took it in for a service recently.

Video of a similar problem on a mondeo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svvfs8hVXk4

The guy that did that video said it was the anti-roll bar end links causing it and they needed lubricating and probably replacing.

Any ideo how I can approach the dealer with the aim of getting these links replaced? I'd rather get it done before warranty runs out but worried they'll just not find anything wrong if I take it back again.

Shmo · 1 Mar 2009 at 22:01

Think I answered my own question. I'll just tell them what I put in this thread and see what they say otherwise I'll try another garage. Can't see anything in my Ford Protect warranty document saying that I need to use the dealer that I bought it from.

Conscript · 2 Mar 2009 at 00:16

Oddly enough, I noticed my Focus has developed a creak today. But not from the steering, seems to be coming from suspension; only happens when turning left or sometimes when braking.

blueboy2001 · 2 Mar 2009 at 08:59

I'm pretty sure there's a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for creaky front suspension on the Mk2 Focus - something to do with suspension top mounts. It was a common problem with the early cars, I can't remember what the fix was but it wasn't anything drastic.

ARB links tend to knock when worn rather than creak, and Mondeo suspension is different from the Focus so it may be a different problem.

Street · 2 Mar 2009 at 10:03

Drop links? Its a common problem.. Happened to my old Focus and the guy I work with.

Participant · 2 Mar 2009 at 10:30

I haven't watched the video because I'm at work, but is it a constant creaking / groaning or a cyclical knocking / rubbing noise? If the latter it could be a constant velocity joint on a drive shaft (usually / hopefully the outer one) as these tend to make noise when making tight turns.

Find a carpark and do some tight loops with the door open and listen for it.

Shmo · 2 Mar 2009 at 18:05

Interesting. Now you mention it I also complained about a faint knocking noise when driving at low speed in addition to creak (thinking that they were the same problem) but again the dealer didn't find anything. I put it down to the spare tyre bouncing about a bit but think this deserves further investigation.

Unfortunately I'm the kind of person that gets fobbed off easily but will drop by the dealer tomorrow and do my best.