Hey all, I'm looking for some help and advice with my ford fiesta st line 140bhp 2017 model. For the last 6 months I've had a terrible mechanical noise under brake application from about 40mph and below, getting louder the more the car slows to a hault. I've had the discs and pads replaced twice with brand new ones so I'm pretty sure the breaks are not the problem although it only happens when break pedal is pressed. Been to 2 top garages and they've been no help. I will include a link to a video I took whilst approaching a junction. Listen all the way to the end and notice how the noise gets deeper and louder as the car comes to a stop. It's pretty much undriveable at the moment and driving me insane. If anyone could give any tips or advice I'd be really greatful 👍 

https://youtube.com/shorts/vvxOIPV7n1E?si=lNz2h3hSN56hMVQ5

Well, that sounds horrific.

I don't think it's the brakes.  That sounds more like a bearing.  Diff bearing would be my first thought.  Though I'd want to rule out wheel bearings, CV joints and driveshaft intermediate bearing before condemning the gearbox.

It is horrific, I've had it to the garage 5 times, and now they don't want to know me. So took it to another garage and they said putting genuine ford brakes and pads will sort it and that will be £355. I said no as it's clearly nothing to do with the brakes. It only starts after about 10 mins of driving so when things heat up and is worse on really warm days. Clutch in or out makes no difference, happens only when the brake pedal is applied. My thoughts were also gearbox or driveshaft just need a proper diagnosis but no idea where to take it now.

Assume the noise is coming from the front of the car?

Noise equally distributed or sounds more from the nearside or offside? 

Concerning that you've been fobbed off at your local garages. Have they had it up on a lift and checked for abnormal movement, feel and sound?

I agree with Tom on the most likely cause(s).

32 minutes ago, RayC333 said:

Assume the noise is coming from the front of the car?

Noise equally distributed or sounds more from the nearside or offside? 

Concerning that you've been fobbed off at your local garages. Have they had it up on a lift and checked for abnormal movement, feel and sound?

I agree with Tom on the most likely cause(s).

Yes correct, it's coming from the front. Very hard to pin point exactly where as its so loud but I would say through the drivers footwell / towards the center of the car. Probably evenly distributed as girlfriend can hear it the same from the passenger seat.

Yeah it's disappointing to say the least,they've done checks, taken it for test drives, had it on the ramps etc proper bosch certified garages too. Not to mention they are charging me for all this labour aswell and I'm still no further forward. I said I think it's the driveshaft or gearbox from the get go but they just dismiss it. Very poor. I have a platinum RAC  warranty on the car, but need someone competent to identify what the issue is before I can start a claim which is proving extremely difficult. 

I can't recommend anyone specific in your location but would suggest trying a transmission specialist next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt-aVc9wRB0

At about 36 - 46 seconds in. Similar sound? Intermediate drive shaft bearing? If it were my car that's what I would be unbolting and checking. 

Also this ... https://www.fiestafaction.com/threads/driveshaft-support-bearing.55362/

Doesn't make sense though if the mechanics thus far say no.

On 9/9/2023 at 7:12 PM, RayC333 said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt-aVc9wRB0

At about 36 - 46 seconds in. Similar sound? Intermediate drive shaft bearing? If it were my car that's what I would be unbolting and checking. 

Also this ... https://www.fiestafaction.com/threads/driveshaft-support-bearing.55362/

Doesn't make sense though if the mechanics thus far say no.

That's a massive help, the 2nd one is spot on, that's what mine started off sounding like but obviously it's alot worse now. I'm going to call the garage tomorrow and get them to look specifically at this and any other bearings at the front. Cheers 👍 

On 9/10/2023 at 9:04 PM, Craig33 said:

That's a massive help, the 2nd one is spot on, that's what mine started off sounding like but obviously it's alot worse now. I'm going to call the garage tomorrow and get them to look specifically at this and any other bearings at the front. Cheers 👍 

Hi, can you let me know if this was resolved? I have exactly the same issue on my 2017 ST and the Ford Garage have looked at it twice and cannot help as it can’t be replicated on a short drive! They are focused on the brakes and haven’t mentioned the driveshaft. Would be really helpful if you could let me know your outcome. Thanks 

On 9/21/2023 at 10:14 PM, Jon21 said:

Hi, can you let me know if this was resolved? I have exactly the same issue on my 2017 ST and the Ford Garage have looked at it twice and cannot help as it can’t be replicated on a short drive! They are focused on the brakes and haven’t mentioned the driveshaft. Would be really helpful if you could let me know your outcome. Thanks 

Hi, did you get this resolved? And what was the isssue causing it? 

I’ve had the exact same issues with a 66 plate ST, been to multiple garages but they can’t pin point what is wrong. It’s had a new OSF driveshaft, wheel bearing and 2 lots of break discs and pads! I’m at a loss with it now! 🙄

On 9/9/2023 at 7:12 PM, RayC333 said:

Intermediate drive shaft bearing?

See the post above by Ray. I would think he was right since Craig didn't continue to return after that suggestion.