Ford Focus, 1.8Tdi. 79k miles on it.

I have a (currently) faint whine which does not appear to be engine related
and is instead speed related. Comes in strongly if I'm naughty and get up
to about 75mph. If I run the same engine revs in 4th the noise goes away.
The front wheel bearings have no apparant play and feel OK, there is no
noise or clicking from the CV joints on full lock. Could it be the
intermediate bearing on the offside driveshaft? I've had a cursory push and
tug and noting appears to be loose but I've not yet jacked up and dropped
it on some stands for a proper look.

It's also getting ready for a new rear exhaust section. Any recommendations
for good suppliers for parts? I suspect with a Ford the OE will be a single
section - can anyone confirm if I'll have to weld something?

TIA

On Tue, 23 Aug 2005 08:28:25 GMT, Chris Whelan wrote:


> Chris Street wrote:
> 
>> Ford Focus, 1.8Tdi. 79k miles on it.
>> 
>> I have a (currently) faint whine which does not appear to be engine
>> related and is instead speed related. Comes in strongly if I'm naughty and
>> get up to about 75mph. If I run the same engine revs in 4th the noise goes
>> away. The front wheel bearings have no apparant play and feel OK, there is
>> no noise or clicking from the CV joints on full lock. Could it be the
>> intermediate bearing on the offside driveshaft? I've had a cursory push
>> and tug and noting appears to be loose but I've not yet jacked up and
>> dropped it on some stands for a proper look.
>> 
>> It's also getting ready for a new rear exhaust section. Any
>> recommendations for good suppliers for parts? I suspect with a Ford the OE
>> will be a single section - can anyone confirm if I'll have to weld
>> something?
>> 
>> TIA
> 
> Is the noise new (to you) or has it been there since you have had the
> vehicle? I ask because I've had a Focus from new for six years and it has
> always had a slight transmission whine. It doesn't seem to get any worse,
> and I don't really notice it now.


It seems to have developed in the last few hundred miles. I'm wondering if
it's somehow related to new discs and pads that were fitted about then
although I'll be blowed if I can see how.

It's certainly not the waterpump as I thought - does it even with the
engine off and coasting.

I'd check how much oil is in the gerabox and maybe change the oil to check 
it's condition.

Howie

On Tue, 23 Aug 2005 20:52:15 +0100, Howard Dean wrote:


> I'd check how much oil is in the gerabox and maybe change the oil to check 
> it's condition.
> 
> Howie


It's topped up to full and according to my records I last changed it 15k
ago.... first thing I thought of.

I'd take it to a gearbox specialist to get them to have a listen. Where in 
the country are you?

Howie

On Tue, 23 Aug 2005 22:53:02 +0100, Howard Dean wrote:


> I'd take it to a gearbox specialist to get them to have a listen. Where in 
> the country are you?
> 
> Howie


Leeds area

"Chris Street"  wrote in message 
news:1s5tqljo47rju$.1luf8n3cmpu5e.dlg@40tude.net...

> Ford Focus, 1.8Tdi. 79k miles on it.
>
> I have a (currently) faint whine which does not appear to be engine 
> related
> and is instead speed related. Comes in strongly if I'm naughty and get up
> to about 75mph. If I run the same engine revs in 4th the noise goes away.
> The front wheel bearings have no apparant play and feel OK, there is no
> noise or clicking from the CV joints on full lock. Could it be the
> intermediate bearing on the offside driveshaft? I've had a cursory push 
> and
> tug and noting appears to be loose but I've not yet jacked up and dropped
> it on some stands for a proper look.
>
> It's also getting ready for a new rear exhaust section. Any 
> recommendations
> for good suppliers for parts? I suspect with a Ford the OE will be a 
> single
> section - can anyone confirm if I'll have to weld something?
>
> TIA


Most cars I've had with a fifth gear have whined slightly in 5th - even from 
new.

Rob Graham

Chris Street wrote:


> Ford Focus, 1.8Tdi. 79k miles on it.
> 
> I have a (currently) faint whine which does not appear to be engine
> related and is instead speed related. Comes in strongly if I'm naughty and
> get up to about 75mph. If I run the same engine revs in 4th the noise goes
> away. The front wheel bearings have no apparant play and feel OK, there is
> no noise or clicking from the CV joints on full lock. Could it be the
> intermediate bearing on the offside driveshaft? I've had a cursory push
> and tug and noting appears to be loose but I've not yet jacked up and
> dropped it on some stands for a proper look.
> 
> It's also getting ready for a new rear exhaust section. Any
> recommendations for good suppliers for parts? I suspect with a Ford the OE
> will be a single section - can anyone confirm if I'll have to weld
> something?
> 
> TIA


Is the noise new (to you) or has it been there since you have had the
vehicle? I ask because I've had a Focus from new for six years and it has
always had a slight transmission whine. It doesn't seem to get any worse,
and I don't really notice it now.

Replacing the rear of the exhaust system should not require any welding. The
price might make you cough though! I think I was quoted 130UKP for a
genuine Ford one, or 75UKP for a Bosal. (Both fitted prices). I went for
the Bosal with no apparent problems 

HTH

Chris

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