Clonking from front end, suspension??

George H wrote:

> 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.

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


--
Remove prejudice to reply.
 >> Stay informed about: Clonking from front end, suspension?? 

Chris Whelan wrote:

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.


> George H wrote:
>
>> 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.
>
> 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
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Clonking from front end, suspension?? 

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.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Clonking from front end, suspension?? 

On Aug 25, 3:43 pm, George H <hornetlock-t... RemoveThis @yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> 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
 >> Stay informed about: Clonking from front end, suspension?? 

George H wrote:
> 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?


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?
 >> Stay informed about: Clonking from front end, suspension??