2009 LV Focus Auto - Vibration under acceleration

DeKa · 15-03-2011, 09:11 PM

I've got a 2009 LV Focus Zetec Auto with about 49000km on it.

Under acceleration on the highway, there is a distinct drivetrain vibration which appears under moderate to hard acceleration. It does it in both 4th (top) gear with the torque converter locked unlocked, and in 3rd gear (where the torque converter doesn't appear to lock at all).

Has anyone experienced this? I am wondering if it may be either a CV joint (although there are no clicking sounds on turning) or an engine mount.

nosurrenda · 24-03-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeKa

I've got a 2009 LV Focus Zetec Auto with about 49000km on it.

Under acceleration on the highway, there is a distinct drivetrain vibration which appears under moderate to hard acceleration. It does it in both 4th (top) gear with the torque converter locked unlocked, and in 3rd gear (where the torque converter doesn't appear to lock at all).

Has anyone experienced this? I am wondering if it may be either a CV joint (although there are no clicking sounds on turning) or an engine mount.

It's always recommended to get drivetrain vibrations checked out by a pro, just in case one of your mounts has decided to call it quits (as they often do on the Focus).

DeKa · 24-03-2011, 04:01 PM

I'm starting to think it is a CV joint as it is quite a bit more pronounced when turning a corner on the highway when under power. As you straighten up, the noise continues but becomes much quieter.

I will get it checked out (the car is still under warranty).

DeKa · 02-05-2011, 03:42 PM

Turned out to be the left hand driveshaft (even though the sound was very clearly on the right hand side). Replaced under warranty.

20focus05 · 29-05-2011, 06:30 PM

I have the same issue has been doing it for ages.
I posted a similar thing ages ago with no bannana.
I have cured many customers problems with vibrations etc, and felt very degrading that I could not fix my own car!!!
Ran it up on hoist, on stands under control arms to get suspension at normal operating hieght but no vibration only under load in 3,4,5th.
Shakes whole car.
Replaced shocks as they needed it, replaced rims as the wife dented them!
Driveshafts feel good with no movement, no clicking on turning.
finally got my web cam on a extention lead and tapped it under car.
Found what must be the same, inner CV on LH shaft moving in and out.

ptwhite2003 · 30-05-2011, 01:33 PM

"finally got my web cam on a extention lead and tapped it under car."

Very clever. Wish I'd thought of that - my wife keeps getting gravel rash.

mik · 30-05-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 20focus05

I have the same issue has been doing it for ages.
I posted a similar thing ages ago with no bannana.
I have cured many customers problems with vibrations etc, and felt very degrading that I could not fix my own car!!!
Ran it up on hoist, on stands under control arms to get suspension at normal operating hieght but no vibration only under load in 3,4,5th.
Shakes whole car.
Replaced shocks as they needed it, replaced rims as the wife dented them!
Driveshafts feel good with no movement, no clicking on turning.
finally got my web cam on a extention lead and tapped it under car.
Found what must be the same, inner CV on LH shaft moving in and out.

interesting, do you think the cv movement is from normal wear and tear or perhaps a result of a hit to the wheel, or something else?

DeKa · 31-05-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

interesting, do you think the cv movement is from normal wear and tear or perhaps a result of a hit to the wheel, or something else?

I'd be interested to know too. My dealer specifically said it was replaced under warranty as there was no evidence of impact damage (I know there wasn't, but I was glad they said that!).

20focus05 · 31-05-2011, 10:03 PM

Probably from the thrashing I give it.
It has always got bad axel tramp which I think is mostly on the LH side so the driveshaft would get a fair amount of shock treatment.
I doubt very much that an inner driveshaft would be damaged by hitting something at the wheel unless it stops the wheel from rotating suddenly(well I just changed my mind!!)
The CV's are designed to move up and down even at a fast rate of change.
Jeez I couild rabbit on for ages!!!

20focus05 · 31-05-2011, 10:07 PM

I will inspect the driveshaft inner CV to see if its cup, rollers or the roller journals.

westyxr8 · 31-05-2011, 10:19 PM

occasionally we came across drive shaft faults.. not very common but afew here and there

DeKa · 01-06-2011, 11:35 AM

So do you think this is going to be a reoccuring issue? If so, does anyone know how much a replacement driveshaft is?

imblue · 01-06-2011, 08:44 PM

Will keep this in mind if this ever happens to me.

Similar issue happened in my '08 model Astra - Took a while for them to realise though, really annoying too :-(

DeKa · 16-06-2011, 06:33 PM

I think my right hand CV joint is starting to fail now :( There is a distinct click sound on take off from stand-still, in either a forwards or reverse direction. The sound comes from the right hand side. I'll monitor the sound and see if it gets any worse.

DeKa · 22-08-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeKa

I think my right hand CV joint is starting to fail now :( There is a distinct click sound on take off from stand-still, in either a forwards or reverse direction. The sound comes from the right hand side. I'll monitor the sound and see if it gets any worse.

It was the right hand drive shaft. It must have been a bad batch when my car was manufactured.

20focus05 · 06-09-2011, 11:23 PM

I replaced the drive shaft and no change
Suspect it could be the damper on the flywheel.
Going to change to solid flywheel and change clutch plate to one with damper.
At least it makes the flywheel serviceable.