2003 Ford Focus Help!

KDAUGHDRILL

MEMBER
2003 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

I bought my vehicle brand new in 2003 and have only had the usual maintenance issues. However, for about the last 8 months, there has been a loose rattling sound coming from the passenger side tires and it's driving me crazy. I have not taken it to have it looked at because I have unfortunately been a victim of rip off in the past. My husband is no mechanic, which leaves me to figure this one alone. This sound is during the entire time I'm driving, regardless of potholes or turns and you can only hear it if I am going 45 mph or less. To me I would swear the noise sounds like my wheels are going to fall off. I've researched forums looking for any advice I can find but that has only confused me more. I have heard everything from tie rods to end links, does anyone have any advice?

3 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

It could be something major. But first try to pin point where the sound is comming from. Is it just a rattling? Cuheck the areas around the wheel to see if anything is loose. Also check the catalitic converter. When these start going bad the have a tendacy to rattle. One way to check is while it is cool smack on the converter with a rubber hammer or something like that. If you don't hear something loose then check by the front wheel. It could be just a piece of molding clip loose.

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 8:51 AM

KDAUGHDRILL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The sound is definitely coming from the wheel area but I will take your advice and check all that you suggested just to be 100%. I thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I will be sure to let you know when I find out.

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 10:19 AM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Something to have checked, Last week my wife told me her truck was making a rattling sound by the wheels. I have my own car so I don't drive the truck, when I did I could hear the sound coming from the wheel area. When I took off the wheels I found that the brakes were worn down. Most disc brakes in the front have a little piece of metal that makes a scratching sound when the pads are low. You might want to have the front pads checked. It might not be what is making the noise but worth while to have the brake pads checked.

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 11:17 AM