wilforiley Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Hi Everyone, I purchased my 5 door 1.6 LX '53 Plate Focus last year. It's done 44k, and about two months ago I put it in for an MOT and Full service, which it passed with flying colours. Not had any problems with it at all, up until now... Since the MOT and service I've noticed a grinding noise at the front of the car when steering to the right. It doesn't happen unless it's on full or near-full lock and it seems to be more apparent when there is someone in the front passenger seat. I've had a quick look underneath but can't see anything obvious. Is this common? Any ideas? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 Hi and welcome get someone to sit in the passenger side of the car then turn a full lock when stationary and see if the wheel could rub on the inner arch or front wing. Or if poss get someone to turn the car for you slowly so you can have a look and see if it is rubbing. or it could be a dry CV joint or worn lower suspension. Does it sound like something rubbing or grinding metal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilforiley Posted June 18, 2008 Author Share Posted June 18, 2008 Hi and welcomeget someone to sit in the passenger side of the car then turn a full lock when stationary and see if the wheel could rub on the inner arch or front wing. Or if poss get someone to turn the car for you slowly so you can have a look and see if it is rubbing. or it could be a dry CV joint or worn lower suspension. Does it sound like something rubbing or grinding metal? Hi Steve, Thanks for the quick response. It sounds more like rubbing. It certainly doesn't sound "metalic". I'll have a look in the morning with a passenger in the car and let you know how I get on. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilforiley Posted June 19, 2008 Author Share Posted June 19, 2008 Okay, I've had a look tonight and I can't see anything different between the front left and the front right umderneath the car... Suspension bearing problem? I think I'll try and book it in someplace over the weekend for a quick look-see. Anyone know of any good garages near the Medway Towns in Kent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivor bigun Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Okay, I've had a look tonight and I can't see anything different between the front left and the front right umderneath the car...Suspension bearing problem? I think I'll try and book it in someplace over the weekend for a quick look-see. Anyone know of any good garages near the Medway Towns in Kent? Has it got the original size wheels and tyres some replacement wheels the off set is to shallow and the inner edge of the tyres rub on the steering arm or wheel arch with wider wheels you some times have to reset the track rod arms a bit shorter to limit the lock its only a couple of turns on the thread A tyre dealer should be able to check the tyres are correct size and they are not rubbing on full lock and tracking is correct some offer the tyre checks for free and you get it done while you wait rather than a garage they have the jacks and should see what is rubbing for you other than that yes it could be a wheel bearing that is struggling under its maximum load or a joint Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilforiley Posted June 21, 2008 Author Share Posted June 21, 2008 I don't know why it's only just dawned on me but the front right tyre was replaced at the last MOT and service a couple of months ago. The wheels are original though and the tyre matches the same profile as the other three wheels on the car. Could it be something like they've not fitted the wheel properly? I'll take it along to a garage this morning and get them to have a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivor bigun Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 I don't know why it's only just dawned on me but the front right tyre was replaced at the last MOT and Service a couple of months ago. The wheels are original though and the tyre matches the same profile as the other three wheels on the car. Could it be something like they've not fitted the wheel properly?I'll take it along to a garage this morning and get them to have a look. If you have a quick fit near you try them They are owned by Ford and should know where to look get the free tyre check lol and see how it goes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilforiley Posted June 21, 2008 Author Share Posted June 21, 2008 Ok, took it to a Kwikfit this morning, I drove the bloke around the car park and he heard the noise. Got it up on the ramps but couldn't see anything wrong with the wheel balance, brakes, or pads. I've got to book it in for a more thorough search. He thinks it could be the bearing at the top of the suspension column. Shouldn't be too horrific if that's all it is (fingers crossed) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivor bigun Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 Ok, took it to a Kwikfit this morning, I drove the bloke around the car park and he heard the noise. Got it up on the ramps but couldn't see anything wrong with the wheel balance, brakes, or pads. I've got to book it in for a more thorough search. He thinks it could be the bearing at the top of the suspension column. Shouldn't be too horrific if that's all it is (fingers crossed) :) fingers crossed then hope it goes well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 If it was the suspension strut bearing it would only make the noise whilst you were actually turning the steering wheel. If it happens when turning right with the steering wheel held steady then it is not likely to be the strut bearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Taylor Posted June 3, 2019 Share Posted June 3, 2019 On 6/22/2008 at 11:23 AM, ivor bigun said: fingers crossed then hope it goes well Hi how did you get in with it? I have a similar problem and have replaced many parts and still making the noise. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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