Unknown Rattle

[ludedog]

I own 2003 FOCUS SVT. At 200 miles the linkage let go and I was left stranded. 24 Hour assistance was useless had to call AAA. At about 5,000 miles a brought it in because of a rattle. The rattle would go away when I engaged the clutch. The whole clutch assempbly was replaced including the flywheel. About a month later the rattle returned. Back to the Ford dealer. They stated that it was a loose clamp and I was all set. Brought the car up front and yep, the rattle was still there. They kept (1) more day and stated that they could not fix it and that it was a major problem with the FOCUS. They told that they have been receiving complaints or rattles and sometimes a whining noise coming from the clutch. Bringing it back in on April 5th. They are going to tear down the clutch and have a regional service rep look at it on the 6th.

My question is this: Does anyone else out there have a rattle or whining noise coming from the clutch. LIke a stated my rattle goes away when I press down on the clutch. One mechanic told me that it could possibly be the main shaft in the transmission. HELP!!!!!!

[ludedog]

Just got back from the dealership. My car was on the lift and the clutch assembly was on the workbench. The master mechanic took me out and explained what the rep and himself thought the problem was. It seems that the spings in the flywheel are losing their tension causing undo play that allows the flywheel to have to much play. The flywheel in the SVT is the same type of flywheel that you would find on tractor trailers. Anyway the mechanic stated that Ford was suppose to come out with the replacement parts by the 18th of this month but the rep didn't think that it was going to happen by that date. They are going to put in a new flywheel for the 2nd time and see what happens. Ford has offered to make one of my monthly payments. I'll take what ever they want to give me however I told them if it's not fixed this time I either want a new car or my money back. Thank God for the Lemon Law. Keep you posted!

[ludedog]

4/7/04 - Returned to the dealer today to pick up my SVT. (3) com-plaints to add. 1st car was not washed when I picked up, 2nd I had requested an oil change while it was in (no oil change), 3rd mechanic brings the car up front rattle still there (after replacing the flywheel). Dealer calls Ford to let them know that I am unhappy with the car. That night hear from the Regional Rep. Asks if I can wait till the 18th. Ford is suppose to come out with the parts to perform the fix on that date. Rep states that if the parts are not ready by the 18th they will offer me a replacement vechicle (tough to do since they don't make the SVT anymore) will see what happens with that one when the time comes. My concern now is that they stated earlier that the problem was the flywheel, they install a brand new flywheel and the rattle is still there. As a matter of fact the car is now making noises that were not there before. I would have to say that the problem is not in the flywheel so how is Ford going to come out with parts to eliminate the rattle when they think that it is in the flywheel????? STILL WAITING TO HEAR IF ANYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING THIS NOISE.....

[jim brady]

i have a 2003 focus automatic with a very annoying rattle.so mine cannot be related to the clutch.maybe yours is not either.i am bringing iot in again this week.waht luck did you have with yours

[SVTfreak03]

Originally Posted by ludedog

4/7/04 - Returned to the dealer today to pick up my SVT. (3) com-plaints to add. 1st car was not washed when I picked up, 2nd I had requested an oil change while it was in (no oil change), 3rd mechanic brings the car up front rattle still there (after replacing the flywheel). Dealer calls Ford to let them know that I am unhappy with the car. That night hear from the Regional Rep. Asks if I can wait till the 18th. Ford is suppose to come out with the parts to perform the fix on that date. Rep states that if the parts are not ready by the 18th they will offer me a replacement vechicle (tough to do since they don't make the SVT anymore) will see what happens with that one when the time comes. My concern now is that they stated earlier that the problem was the flywheel, they install a brand new flywheel and the rattle is still there. As a matter of fact the car is now making noises that were not there before. I would have to say that the problem is not in the flywheel so how is Ford going to come out with parts to eliminate the rattle when they think that it is in the flywheel????? STILL WAITING TO HEAR IF ANYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING THIS NOISE.....

finally someone has my problem i also have a 2003 svt and mine has been making that sound since a month after i got it and everytime i take it to the dealership they act like they have no clue and i am starting to get pissed off it goes away when you push the clutch in and when you let it out all hell breaks loose and i am very upset with this because it sounds like hell where are you located maybe we could complain together because there must be wrong from the factory and when you pay that much for a car you expect them to fix it has it cost you anything so far at the dealership......thnx

[yotermanic]

The SVT Focus has what is called a dual mass flywheel. The flywheel has a inner and outer mass, the outer mass is usually heavier than the inner mass and they can shift back and forth from each other. This is to dampen engine pulses in the driveline and is usually a good idea. The problem is that sometimes they're tricky to put together correctly, especially in new applications. When a problem occurs, the two masses can make contact, making a rattle. Ford is working on a fix and it shouldn't be too much longer. I know this explanation won't fix your car, but at least you'll know what's going on.

[SVTfreak03]

Originally Posted by yotermanic

The SVT Focus has what is called a dual mass flywheel. The flywheel has a inner and outer mass, the outer mass is usually heavier than the inner mass and they can shift back and forth from each other. This is to dampen engine pulses in the driveline and is usually a good idea. The problem is that sometimes they're tricky to put together correctly, especially in new applications. When a problem occurs, the two masses can make contact, making a rattle. Ford is working on a fix and it shouldn't be too much longer. I know this explanation won't fix your car, but at least you'll know what's going on.

thanks for the info....there is a aftermarket flywheel on focussport.com and it is 400 dollars and it the stock flywheel is 24 pounds on the SVT and there aftermarket one is only 12....or 14 pounds i forget but i wonder if i replaced the stock one with that one would it still make that ratttle with a new one or would that fix the problem......thnx for your help no one seems to understand this pain in my ass called a rattle.....