Ford Focus problem - rattle sound on startup

DeepBlue

My Focus has recently developed a problem where it gives an rattling/shudder sound just at it's started up. It's there constantly on almost every startup regardless of whether it's a cold or warm startup but it's not audible/noticeable after starting.

Other than the startup problem the car doesn't handle anyway differently than it used to before and seems fine.

I'll be dropping it into the garage when they come back from the Xmas break but in the meantime I'd appreciate any suggestions as what might be causing it.
The source of the sound seems to be underneath the chassis close to the rear wheels and sounds like a length of metal piping that's loose.

Also should I stop driving till the cause is checked out? It's a 00 reg car with approx 40K if that makes any difference.

Thanks,
DB

Oryx

Get the exhaust mounts checked

Tony255

I have the same thing with mine it sounds like the exshaust is loose, how much would it cost to fix the mounts if that is the problem?

maidhc

It might also be a heatshield. They seem to fall off Fords a bit.

antodeco

More than likely ur exhaust. Happens with mine. But once its driven for a while, when i restart it, theres no rattle. Obviously heat expansion or something!

yop

I had the same issue with mine, what it was is that the metal cover/shield under the body of the car got bent up when I hit a flood, I managed to just flatten it out so that it was not hitting the body or exhaust.