Oblivion

Hello.

For the better part of 4 weeks, there has been a very disturbing 'thump' (or what could sound like a muffled 'pop') noise, that feels like it's coming from directly under the driver side floorboard.
It also sounds like it's coming from the passenger side (or is having a 'drum-effect' within the glove-box compartment).

There also appears to be a secondary issue that is completely separate, but has occurred at the exact same time. There's a (as described in a video) 'bag of marbles' rolling constantly in the front right (passenger) side area.

The thumping/popping/"strange noise" appears to quit (or become extremely quiet at least), when making right hand turns only. Very minute ones even. Left hand turns or driving straight do not affect it.
Turning to the right, however, does not affect that 'bag of marbles.' These noises appear the moment the vehicle is in motion.
If you move slowly, the 'bag of marbles' turns very slowly. It is after one tire iteration that you can hear it.

I've been told it's more than likely a CV-joint/axle/half-shaft (nicknames?) and/or the wheel bearing.
As far as the CV joint goes: The rubber breathing boot has a metal pipe (very thin one) that has been off for an unknown amount of time. I put it on, but it pops itself out somehow.

The front right passenger sides tire can wobble maybe an inch or more (grabbing it by the "6 and 12 o'clock" positions, and putting pressure on it).
If you try to wobble it from left-to-right: It doesn't move so much.

Breaking/Accelerating/Deaccelerating do not affect it. The thumping is still there. Being in gear or neutral does not affect it. The thumping is still there. The speed (RPMs/velocity) does not affect it either. It's always there when in motion.

Any ideas on how to make a sure-fire identification on both? Thanks.

R.S.LOGAN

If you have play at front wheel as described , most probably wheel bearing . With regard to "As far as the CV joint goes: The rubber breathing boot has a metal pipe (very thin one) " I can only assume you are referring to the driveshaft gaiter , but dont know what the metal pipe you refer to unless it it the gaiter retaining clip .

djzx3

A metal pipe running to the boot on the CV axle?

I know there's a metal pipe that runs to the boot on the inner part of the tie rod?

__________________
2000 focus wagon 2.0l DOHC Zetec
04 Subaru WRX,:)



How-to directory.

Ford focus DTC codes.

Ford= First on race day.

jwko

If you have movement up and down (at the 6 & 12 o'clock positions) but not so much left and right could be a worn lower ball joint.

"The rubber breathing boot has a metal pipe" sounds like you are describing the rack and pinion boots.

djzx3

Awesome pics^, that's what I was trying to describe.

__________________
2000 focus wagon 2.0l DOHC Zetec
04 Subaru WRX,:)



How-to directory.

Ford focus DTC codes.

Ford= First on race day.

Oblivion

I agree. I believe it is the wheel bearing.


Yes. That small metal pipe that's bent inward that connects to the CV joint boots.

How would you check to see if it's the lower ball joint (below the tierod/behind the rotor?)?

Also: I was googling around for the cheapest replacement there is to buy; I am not made of money sadly.
O'Reilly sells a 'Motorcraft - CV Joint Part # TX383' for around ~$352.99 + taxes. That's an awful lot to me, considering my expenses (and school).
I've found a cheaper $200 version on eBay/Amazon (same seller).
I've also found this, and am wondering: Is it legitimate? Is it what I am looking for (a working, useable part): Replacement ARBF507107 Axle Assembly | Auto Parts Warehouse -- It costs $65.61 (plus tax and shipping?), which is way more affordable.

Does anyone know of a cheaper place/warehouse to buy the actual CV joint (axle) at? Thanks in advance, and thanks for the replies. A real life saver! :)

I am now going to see if I can't locate removal/installation instructions for the 2001 Ford Focus ZX3's CV joint (and wheel bearing).
I've found similar videos for other vehicles on YouTube.

R.S.LOGAN

First price of $352.99 + taxes seems very high , should be able to get it a lot cheaper than that by shopping about . Other part at $65.61 (plus tax and shipping) would be a bargain for a complete driveshaft .

jwko

Yes I do know of a cheaper place, RockAuto Auto Parts. Enter your vehicle info and look under Drivetrain / CV Half Shaft Assembly, around 40 bucks plus 5% off that (see RockAuto 5% off code in my signature below).

Wiggle the tire up and down at the 6 & 12 o'clock positions and see if there is any movement at the ball joint (directly below and behind the rotor where the knuckle connects to the lower control arm). There should be no movement at all.

Oblivion

The driver side ("front left") 'CV half-shaft assembly' posted on RockAuto's site only costs ~$40. It's ~$50 after shipping, handling, and taxes. With the discount: ~$49. The 5% discount is ~$2 off.


Thank you, jwko. Just because of that: I will forever search RockAuto first, as a price-comparison standard. :)

The 5% is only ~$2 off. Which helps pay for shipping and handling (on something this cheap).
Greatly appreciated!

jwko

You're Welcome