Focus ST - squealing noise
Discussion
My 2007 Focus ST2 has developed a rather disturbing squealing. I'm not the slightest bit mechanically-minded so have little more idea about the cause other than assuming since it's coming from around the engine that it's one of the belts.
The alternator went around 500 miles ago and was replaced by my local garage. While it was in for that, they commented that the cambelt looked worn - despite being over three years and 40K miles away from its due change date. They've been straight with me in the past though so I took them at their word and that was done too.
The squealing goes away when the engine is under load, but is very noticeable when idling or on very little throttle. It's also not present when starting up from cold - it only manifests itself after a few minutes, by which time it has covered maybe a mile.
A quick google suggests that the alternator belt could be a likely culprit. Would you expect that to have been changed when the alternator itself was replaced? I'm trying to work out whether whatever the noise is has been caused by something the garage did/failed to do, or whether it's coincidental in appearing relatively shortly after this work was done. As straight as they've been, I'm not necessarily expecting them to front up and admit it's of their making, even if it was.....
Just looking for a bit of guidance on possible causes and the likely cost associated with sorting it.
The alternator went around 500 miles ago and was replaced by my local garage. While it was in for that, they commented that the cambelt looked worn - despite being over three years and 40K miles away from its due change date. They've been straight with me in the past though so I took them at their word and that was done too.
The squealing goes away when the engine is under load, but is very noticeable when idling or on very little throttle. It's also not present when starting up from cold - it only manifests itself after a few minutes, by which time it has covered maybe a mile.
A quick google suggests that the alternator belt could be a likely culprit. Would you expect that to have been changed when the alternator itself was replaced? I'm trying to work out whether whatever the noise is has been caused by something the garage did/failed to do, or whether it's coincidental in appearing relatively shortly after this work was done. As straight as they've been, I'm not necessarily expecting them to front up and admit it's of their making, even if it was.....
Just looking for a bit of guidance on possible causes and the likely cost associated with sorting it.
A common problem on lesser Focus's of that era is that one of power steering fluid feed pipes can develop a leak where the pipe joins the rack. Fluid leaks onto the aux belt causing it to squeal.
Check your power steering fluid levels as you can lose the rack if this goes unchecked. Had to change mine and it cost a little under £300 to fix (main dealer prices).
Not sure if it affects the ST engine but it's worth opening the bonnet to check.
Check your power steering fluid levels as you can lose the rack if this goes unchecked. Had to change mine and it cost a little under £300 to fix (main dealer prices).
Not sure if it affects the ST engine but it's worth opening the bonnet to check.
If it sounds like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZH1xei0-b0
It's the oil filter housing, replace that and the breather pipe for around £185 for the parts. Speak to Graham at Car Parts Express.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZH1xei0-b0
It's the oil filter housing, replace that and the breather pipe for around £185 for the parts. Speak to Graham at Car Parts Express.
valiant said:
A common problem on lesser Focus's of that era is that one of power steering fluid feed pipes can develop a leak where the pipe joins the rack. Fluid leaks onto the aux belt causing it to squeal.
Check your power steering fluid levels as you can lose the rack if this goes unchecked. Had to change mine and it cost a little under £300 to fix (main dealer prices).
Not sure if it affects the ST engine but it's worth opening the bonnet to check.
there's very little under that bonnet that's actually Ford most of it's VolvoCheck your power steering fluid levels as you can lose the rack if this goes unchecked. Had to change mine and it cost a little under £300 to fix (main dealer prices).
Not sure if it affects the ST engine but it's worth opening the bonnet to check.
Marcellus said:
Could be the oil diagphram (sp?) i think you can tell if it is this by when the car is on tick over remove the dip stick and if it goes away then it's the diagphram.
Ding! It's with the garage today and that's their diagnosis. Have a virtual pint and 10 Internet brownie points for a good diagnosis based on little information.
Expensive month after having to replace the alternator and get the cambelt done.... :/
Edited by Lurking Lawyer on Thursday 4th December 12:05
Gassing Station | Ford | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff