Hey guys,

Long story short, over the last year, I've been through a nightmare with front suspension clunking issues on my 2012 Focus. I've tried multiple fixes on my own coin; new springs, new dampers, new strut mounts, new strut bearings, new strut mount bolts, higher torque specs, etc. While the stiffer ST strut mounts did help a lot, the noise is still present.

So, I've been paying attention on here for any suspension noise complaints to arise from any ST owners, and I've yet to see anyone say a word. I've also driven an ST for my own impressions, and couldn't hear any noises myself (and now I really want to buy one, too).

As of tonight, though, something critical has possibly come to light, thanks to help from a 2013 Focus owner.

Here's a photo of a 2013 Focus Titanium strut tower:


For comparison purposes, here's a photo of my strut tower on my '12 SE.


Note the thicker bolt spacer and the fact that my car does NOT have the 4-5mm thick steel plate under the factory strut tower brace. This plate signifies that Ford has recognized that there was a problem with early production vehicles, and has fixed it with the addition of that plate. However, though it seems that they have found a fix, they have refused to even offer this as a fix to existing 2012 owners, of which there are dozens, with the same issue. While some have had success in getting Ford to replace parts under warranty, the noise always comes back, or never even goes away. I also haven't see any complaints from 2013 Focus owners about suspension noise.

Here's my request: Tell me whether you have had any issues with clunks or rattles from the front strut area. Also, if you can, I just need a few of you to grab a quick photo of your strut tower area on your car, similar to the photo of the 2013 Focus Ti that I posted. It doesn't need to be a fancy photo, I just need proof that the ST comes with the strut tower plate.

Also, if there are any Ford techs or parts employees on here, it would be super awesome if you could locate the part number for the bolts and the plate. Fordparts.com seems to not have the part listed anywhere.

I would really appreciate the help. I've wasted far too much time, money, and energy on a problem that Ford refuses to acknowledge with it's customers. Others are suffering from the same frustration. Here's the thread on Focus Fanatics about this issue: CLICK.

Thanks guys.

Zack

Great. The come-and-go clunks in my SVTF drive me crazy. Really glad to see that Ford has eliminated them for the current generation of Foci.