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Car Forum / Ford / Ford Focus / November 2007

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Clonking from front end, suspension??

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George H - 25 Aug 2007 21:43 GMT
Hi All,

My 2001 focus estate has started to "clonk" from the front somewhere,
especially at low speeds, it is intermittent and doesn't seem to
correspond with road bumps or steering action.
I have been round all the steering / suspension joints and bushes with a
pry bar and everything seems solid, the springs look ok too.

The only things I can think of that are not easy to check are the shocks
inside the struts?

or maybe an engine mounting?
Paul Giverin - 25 Aug 2007 21:48 GMT
>Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
>or maybe an engine mounting?

Most likely to be the anti-roll bar link rods.

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G - 31 Aug 2007 04:36 GMT
Its very likely the sway bar links. You can get aftermarket ones with grease
nipples and really heavy duty with a life time warranty made by MOOG. And
they only cost about $17 each if you are in Canada.

Hi All,

My 2001 focus estate has started to "clonk" from the front somewhere,
especially at low speeds, it is intermittent and doesn't seem to
correspond with road bumps or steering action.
I have been round all the steering / suspension joints and bushes with a
pry bar and everything seems solid, the springs look ok too.

The only things I can think of that are not easy to check are the shocks
inside the struts?

or maybe an engine mounting?
kevin - 07 Sep 2007 03:57 GMT
FORD has a service bullitin for your issue.

CAUSE: FRONT SPRINGS

FREE REPAIR 10 YEARS 150,000 MILES

> Its very likely the sway bar links. You can get aftermarket ones with grease
> nipples and really heavy duty with a life time warranty made by MOOG. And
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> or maybe an engine mounting?
George H - 14 Sep 2007 15:03 GMT
Drop link rods replaced between strut and anti roll bar both sides,
Still making the same noises.

Does anyone have any more details on the Ford Bullitin and if it applies
in the UK?

TIA.

> FORD has a service bullitin for your issue.
>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>>
>> or maybe an engine mounting?
Chris Whelan - 14 Sep 2007 16:03 GMT
> Drop link rods replaced between strut and anti roll bar both sides,
> Still making the same noises.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> TIA.

I believe the problem with front springs breaking was confined to the US.

There was a problem with early European cars that caused a clonk when
turning at low speeds. The cause was too much free play between the upper
front spring seat and the spring. The cure was to fit a rubber isolator
between the spring and seat. This is covered by Technical Service Bulletin
52/1999.

However, vehicles produced after 14/02/99 had the isolator fitted in
production, and all vehicles from 20/04/99 had the spring seat modified. A
2001 car should not have this problem.

As you specifically said it doesn't correspond with steering action, this
probably isn't your problem, but I though it was worth mentioning.

Chris

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Remove prejudice to reply.

George H - 16 Sep 2007 14:34 GMT
Cheers Chris,

It's looking likely that it is the front anti roll bar bushes, they seem
a right pig to change as it involves dropping off the crossmember that
carries the steering rack and gearbox mounting. Might have to surrender
it to the stealer and take it in.

>> Drop link rods replaced between strut and anti roll bar both sides,
>> Still making the same noises.
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> Chris
qwerty - 16 Sep 2007 18:01 GMT
2002 focus 4 door se both front springs broke, Canada. Same problem as in US
but not covered by recall here.

> I believe the problem with front springs breaking was confined to the US.
Robert Wynkoop - 19 Sep 2007 04:24 GMT
> Hi All,
>
> My 2001 focus estate has started to "clonk" from the front somewhere,

My 2002 had the same problem.  I found that the NUT on the strut shaft
was loose on both the left and right sides.  I have an impact wrench
so I just hit them both once and all is better now.

Robert Wynkoop
George H - 08 Nov 2007 14:52 GMT
> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> or maybe an engine mounting?

Booked into the stealer who went round all suspension components, front
and rear, nothing found to be worn or loose, noise still there and they
haven't got a clue what is causing it, the stealer thinks that replacing
suspension parts until it stops is the only way to find it but that is
an expensive option!

maybe it's not suspension related at all perhaps a driveshaft has too
much free lateral movement or something?

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