Suspension noise??

[fish_eat_sleep]

Okay, my dad has a 2011 ford focus with about 28,000mi. Owned since new. Long story short.. Around 18,000mi the front suspension started making a weird groaning noise that almost sounds like a scrape or something. (NOT a squeak, pop, or clunk). I would describe it best as a groaning noise. so.. anyway every time we go over a speed bump, pull into the driveway, or hit the brakes hard during a quick stop we hear this sound from the front end of the car now. Also the tire noise has been increasing... but the steering alignment and and balancing both seem fine. (steering is on center, no vibrations).

So before the warranty is up i want to help him figure out what this noise is. It didn't happen on the test drive... i just want to know if anyone has seen this before. I have a hard time believing its normal to have this much tire/suspension noise on a newer car.

Thanks

[Scott K]

Smaller cars have a tendency to chop tires. Take your hand, and rub the tire all the way around, in both directions. Is there an edge on any of the tread? Or is it smooth all the way around? That would be your tire noise. Lack of tire rotation would be the cause of that, or rear toe being off some. Extra weight in the trunk?

As far as the suspension noise goes, there isnt a loose mudflap? More then likely a bushing that is a little dry, and if you can pin point which wheel area it is coming from, tell the tech, and expalin it to him, ask if he can lube the bushings.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Steel or aluminum wheels?

[fish_eat_sleep]

17" Aluminum wheels with the sportier tires. I did notice a small bump in the sidewall in one of the tires probably from a pothole? The tread appears smooth.

[delcecchi]

Since the noise is at low speed when going over a bump, I would think it unlikely to be tires.

Does it do it just sitting there if you bounce up and down on the bumper? Front and rear, like testing shocks?

[fish_eat_sleep]

I'm not heavy enough to make the suspension move much but i do hear it slightly. same kind of sound anyway.

[delcecchi]

You need some fat friends. Try the cooking thread. ha ha

So it isn't tires. Go bug the dealer since it is still under warrantee.

[Scott K]

You need some fat friends. Try the cooking thread. ha ha

So it isn't tires. Go bug the dealer since it is still under warrantee.

I think he was saying there was 2 noises, the rubbing noise, and a tire type noise. Unless I miss read it.

[delcecchi]

He did mention tire noise. I missed that. Fat friends are only useful for the suspension noise.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Yeah two different noises, I couldn't figure out if the suspension (groaning noise over slow speed bumps and quick stops) was contributing to the increase in road/tire noise because the alignment and balancing appeared to be normal. I popped the hood and pushed on metal around the latch/radiator mounts so I was sure I wouldn't dent the bumper or hood. With the little pressure i could apply I still heard a slight groaning creaking noise. Maybe something just needs more grease? The driver's side front was most noticeable.

[delcecchi]

Sounds to me like you know enough to take it to the dealer for warrantee service. Just tell them it makes noise going over bumps and when you bounce the front end. Those guys can figure it out.