Suspension problem
2005 Ford Focus 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 78,674 miles
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I bought a 2005 Ford Focus used but still under warranty. When I would turn I would hear and feel a bump or thump in the front end. Speed didn't really matter. It would thump when the weight load shifted. I could make it bump at 5 mph and not a really sharp turn. I took it to my local Ford dealership, demonstrated the problem - after their mechanic could not hear any problem during a test drive - and left it with them. When I got it back it had no more bump/thump during turns - for a fair amount of time. I thought I'd take it back when it needed servicing. Of course that time occurred after the warranty expired and didn't think about that problem! When I went back I told the service manager that same old problem they'd once fixed was back. Since their fix didn't hold then it should not cost me. He gave me the old, "Well, it's out of warranty." "We could look for it but it really could be very expensive but if that's what you want us to do we'll do it." Of course after that cheerful encouragement I didn't do anything about it.

I'd glance at my tires and they seemed okay. About a month ago I parked with the wheels turned a lot. I then noticed the center was VERY worn. Evidently sports tires do NOT need as much air as regular tires! I've driven a lot slower in the rain since then!! I had also noticed my wheels were looking rusted in between the spokes of the hubcaps. I decided to that them off and paint them. When I took off a front tire and started to roll it I got a sharp pain in my hand. I looked at the tire and the inside edge was extremely worn on the outside with belts showing! Both front tires were like that. I strongly suspect the bump/thump has a lot to do with this happening. Now I'm worried that the car was wrecked before I bought it, that repairs were not thoroughly or correctly done and I'm going to get hit with a big bill.

I kept all the paperwork. It appears the car was put in service 11-19-04. I bought the 2005 Focus on 10-01-05 with 12494 miles with a basic 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty.
I went to the local Ford dealership for various things (noted) included on the bill were the usual statements that the steering system, shock/stuts were checked -
02-02-06 (oil, rotate tires, CD player skips),
06-05-06 (oil, filter, check front end noise, 4 Ultra HP4 tires at 27,155 miles),
09-08-06 (oil, filter, gas filter, rotate tires) and
11-29-06 (oil, rotate with a note of suspension noise which they "looked for" but didn't spend a lot of time since it was out of warranty - 40,765 miles). I've changed oil, filters and maintained fluid levels since then. I now have 78,674.6 miles on my Focus.

What does the thumping and tire wear indicate as to how severe is my problem.? Do I have anything I can pressure Ford with about this repair they didn't take care of earlier? Should I go to Ford or just anyone else?

I appreciate your time and any thoughts.

Sincerely,
Lloyd Gallman