focus TDCI suspension creaking..

[NST]

i recently noticed a creaking sound when turning left, the creaking sound is considerably louder when turning left 10-30mph. I have had the aux belt done which about 1 month later is when the creaking sound started. but now it is getting quite loud.

i have lubed every bush (!) i can see with some silicon lube. it hasn't made any difference. the only thing i can think of is either the damper is dry or the subframe is creaking when the wheels are pointing left.

i also have a small oil leak from the timing cover, its from the front of the engine where the two rubber pipes run over the timing cover. is this a common problem? again it seems to have started about the same time when i had the aux belt done. will the oil leak become a bigger problem if i leave it alone, or shall i get it checkout out? i'd assume the timing cover will have come off and replace the gasket of some sort.

any help greatful!

Edited by NST on Thursday 1st May 09:03

[neiljohnson]

Try the subframe bolts they often come loose and cause all sorts of horrid noises. To rectify take bolts out one by one give them a bit of locktite and refit. If not that check the very ends of the coil spings as they have a habit of snapping and for reasons unknown seems to be more common on the derv engined ones.

[NST]

neiljohnson said:

Try the subframe bolts they often come loose and cause all sorts of horrid noises. To rectify take bolts out one by one give them a bit of locktite and refit. If not that check the very ends of the coil spings as they have a habit of snapping and for reasons unknown seems to be more common on the derv engined ones.

thanks neil.

i shall get this checked out soon.

i seem to have fixed the oil leak, i tighten the timing cover nut, imho i don't think it was tighten correctly. fingers crossed that was the only issue.

[mr_fibuli]

Have you checked the antiroll bar drop links? Got through 4 sets of them in 100k on my Focus.

[NST]

mr_fibuli said:

Have you checked the antiroll bar drop links? Got through 4 sets of them in 100k on my Focus.

cheers,

will put that on the list of things to look at

NST

[Scraggles]

when at low speeds on country roads am getting heavy vibration, but not all the time, eg when mechanic went out for a drive, getting the car picked up on friday and they will take a look at it, if find anything, will post about it

[neiljohnson]

Scraggles said:

when at low speeds on country roads am getting heavy vibration, but not all the time, eg when mechanic went out for a drive, getting the car picked up on friday and they will take a look at it, if find anything, will post about it

Assuming this is a Focus?? check the bearing that supports the driveshaft on the offside it bolt to the back of the block. They quite often wear the support bracket which causes the vibration but its needs to be unbolted to check properly as you normally cant feel the movement but when you take braket off you can see the wear. Hope this helps.

[Scraggles]

company car, so will let someone else play around with it, they know more than me and yes it is a focus, much like the one in profile