Whats causing this noise

WalterMitty · 29-01-2011 12:06pm #1

The ford focus im driving has a noise coming from the passenger side wheel area. It is like a rattling but only happens when the passenger side wheel goes down into a pothole. id i go over a speed ramp it doesnt make any noise.

peasant · 29-01-2011 12:10pm

Some bushing or other in your suspension is worn ...a good grope around will tell you which

Plug · 29-01-2011 12:10pm

Don't know, you need to put in on a lift to find out. Are you able to operate a car jack? Lift up that wheel and check it for play. Grab the wheel at 3 and 9 o clock and shake it slightly a few times and see can you feel knocking, do the same for 12 and 6 o clock and report back. It could be anything really. Although a rattle seems a bit strange, are you sure its not a more of a knocking noise?

Lurching · 29-01-2011 12:12pm

We could speculate here all day, but your best bet is to go to a reputable garage and get it sorted.

Nissan doctor · 29-01-2011 9:39pm

The front drop link would be a common failure on a focus, but really its impossible to get any answer worth anything on here without inspecting the car.

coolbeans · 29-01-2011 10:14pm

I have 1999 Focus with just such a noise coming from the driver's side front wheel. On mine it's a loose brake pad within the caliper. I think it was originally too big for the car and rubbed against the wheel causing it to loosen eventually. It stopped, to a degree, when the excess part of the pad wore away and only rattles a little now when braking. It really isn't an issue on mine as I saw when I took off the wheel to confirm the above. I'm not saying that's what it is on yours but it's worth a look-see.

Nissan doctor · 29-01-2011 10:20pm

coolbeans wrote: »

I have 1999 Focus with just such a noise coming from the driver's side front wheel. On mine it's a loose brake pad within the caliper. I think it was originally too big for the car and rubbed against the wheel causing it to loosen eventually. It stopped, to a degree, when the excess part of the pad wore away and only rattles a little now when braking. It really isn't an issue on mine as I saw when I took off the wheel to confirm the above. I'm not saying that's what it is on yours but it's worth a look-see.

Urm, the pad can't touch the wheel in any way...sounds like you'd want to have that looked at properly!

coolbeans · 29-01-2011 10:22pm

It did. It doesn't now because the offending part of the pad has been worn away by the spinning wheel.

Hal1 · 29-01-2011 10:27pm

Insert facepalm here :rolleyes:. I have a similar rattle on the NS of mine. Actually sounds like some marbles rolling in the the bottom of the door or sill.

Nissan doctor · 29-01-2011 10:28pm

coolbeans wrote: »

It did. It doesn't now because the offending part of the pad has been worn away by the spinning wheel.

Like I said, unless the wheel managed to wear through the caliper first, then it can't touch the pad.

coolbeans · 29-01-2011 10:31pm

You can both take that attitude all you like but I know what's going on there. If I was bothered I'd take a pic tomorrow to prove it but I'm not. This is a cul-de-sac point now and it's dragging the thread off topic into a 'yes it did' 'no it didn't' tete a tete.

andyseadog · 29-01-2011 10:33pm

i'm off for some popcorn, this is going to be good.

i'm trying to think of some kind of terminology mistake on somebodies part here. all i can think of is that 'wheel' is being mistaken for 'brake disc', but even that is a far stretch of the imagination and still doesn't make great sense.

Nissan doctor · 29-01-2011 10:41pm

andyseadog wrote: »

i'm off for some popcorn, this is going to be good.

i'm trying to think of some kind of terminology mistake on somebodies part here. all i can think of is that 'wheel' is being mistaken for 'brake disc', but even that is a far stretch of the imagination and still doesn't make great sense.

There is no point arguing with some people, if they are happy enough to be driving around with their brakes fitted arseways leave them too it.:rolleyes:

Back on topic methinks....

OldmanMondeo · 29-01-2011 10:44pm

coolbeans wrote: »

I have 1999 Focus with just such a noise coming from the driver's side front wheel. On mine it's a loose brake pad within the caliper. I think it was originally too big for the car and rubbed against the wheel causing it to loosen eventually. It stopped, to a degree, when the excess part of the pad wore away and only rattles a little now when braking. It really isn't an issue on mine as I saw when I took off the wheel to confirm the above. I'm not saying that's what it is on yours but it's worth a look-see.

First off, you must have the wrong pads in the caliper, as the pads should be a snug fit and you wouldn't hear a rattle if they did vibrate but a squell. Second, I think, as pointed out you mean the brake disc and not the wheel, this probably means your disc is either warped and should be replaced or so worn that the edges are wearing the pads, again should be replaced asap.

coolbeans · 29-01-2011 10:46pm

NIssandoc, I took issue with you insinuating that I was incorrect in my diagnosis which I assure you I am not. I would not admittedly have had a problem with you saying it was a bit thick to be driving around with a loose brake pad. I think I'll be OK but I can understand if you would differ on this.

Nissan doctor · 29-01-2011 10:55pm

coolbeans wrote: »

NIssandoc, I took issue with you insinuating that I was incorrect in my diagnosis which I assure you I am not. I would not admittedly have had a problem with you saying it was a bit thick to be driving around with a loose brake pad. I think I'll be OK but I can understand if you would differ on this.

As has been said, I thinks its just a misunderstanding of what different parts are called.

Whats causing this noise

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