Creaking Windows/ Door Frames (new Focus)

Beancounter · 27-04-2006, 10:41 AM

Hey all,
I have a 5 door Zetec that is the best car I have ever owned. However everytime that I pull into a drive way or drive over uneven tarmac or take off from a standing start the windows creak. You can mimic the problem by gently pushing on the door glass.
To me (and I am not overly mechanical) it seems that there is chassis flex going on. When the suspension is compressed the chassis is flexing to cause friction between the door seals and hence the creaking/groaning.

I have taken it back to the dealer 4 times in the last 5 months (been doing it since new, Dec 05) and they can't fix it. They have even tried re-aligning my doors and this did nothing. Their final solution was to spray silicon spray the door frame to provide a slick surface. This works for a week or so but it comes back. My concern is that that there is something wrong at a more serious level. I am also annoyed that with a brand new car these sorts of band aid fixes are required.

I am interested to know if anyone with a new Focus (South African built) has experienced creaking windows or door frames also. Is this a fairly unique issue and I am just unlucky or is there a wider issue here.

Thanks in advance

Cheers
Steve
Auckland NZ

Forest Bear · 27-04-2006, 11:17 AM

This happens to all cars. If you want to know what creak is like get into a Hyundai Getz. Anyways, chassis flex is something you gotta live with. You can reduce and extend the structural integrity of the chassis by avoiding torsional twisting and flex especially coming into steep, funny angled driveways. My last car, 2001 Astra, developed creaks because my driveway caused twisting on the chassis. You can imagine going in and out 4-5 times a day over 4 years did to the chassis but it held up quite well. I had a steel plate put in the driveway just for my new Zetec.

My LS Zetec (done 8400kms) has small creaky noises coming from...

- The plastic that surrounds the auto-stick. They are rubbing. Squeak. Squeak. Usually happens at low speeds and over undulating road surfaces. Not serious.

- Slight door rattle. Like something small is loose inside left front door. Not serious.

- Most concern is a louder low tone rattle thats coming from inside the engine bay just infront of the drivers side dash. This one I will have to take to the dealer. Again, only occurs at low speeds over smooth undulating road surface. It sounds like loose suspension component at first but I jacked it up and tugged everything and its seems okay. I've driven it over small bumps and its okay, no noise. I can't find the source of the noise myself.

I'm still super happy with my car. Its still IMO very well built despelling my earlier concerns. I love it.

Beancounter · 27-04-2006, 11:28 AM

I agree that any car will develop creaks and rattles etc. But I guess where I am a little annoyed is that the demo vehicle we test drove and even subsequent loan foci that we got while ours was at the dealer's did not make the creaking. And this was after I tried in vain to make replicate it, these also had far higher k's on them too.
Perhaps I'm a picky bugger (I'm not afraid to admit it), but putting close to $40k into a new car I do expect the windows not to creak and groan all the time.
In saying this I too really enjoy the vehicle, one of the best cars I've owned.

Ringo · 27-04-2006, 01:12 PM

Your spot on about it being door seals due to flex in the body......anoying isn't it.

BMW E36 3 series, particularly the early 90's ones, are well known for the issue and if the seal were dry enough even creak when you accelerate and brake....lol.

The fix was silicon wiped on the door rubbers and some 3m tape along when the door seal sat to provide a smooth surface for the seal to move on.

If there is a felt seal involved get a solid lube stick and run it along the seal and into the felt....... its a bit icky but it works.

zetec · 27-04-2006, 09:58 PM

My 3 door Focus creaks like a mother... but it's lowered.

Teki04 · 28-04-2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetec

My 3 door Focus creaks like a mother... but it's lowered.

My Fiesta did the same... Creaked after it was lowered. Most cars do I believe on a slant...

Scareybear · 28-04-2006, 07:26 AM

I've found a light spray of silicone tyre shine makes it all better.

mitch_lx · 28-04-2006, 11:51 AM

My 04 Fiesta does this.. It annoys the heck out of me.

I do agree that lube helps it, i use meguiars trim rejuvinator. Should help prolong the life of the seals too

My driveway is a bit steep, so i have to attack it on an angle, thats when i notice it, so yeah chassis flex.

:

Smoke Pursuit · 28-04-2006, 08:02 PM

Yep our 05 Focus LS did it to, had the suspension re tentioned and it went away, sadly after another 1000 kays its back.. The rest of our cars dont do it, cant see why this one should.

28-04-2006, 11:03 PM

This is an issue not only for our Focii but for Euro built models as well.

The reasons why I think it happens only on this car and my the Falcon is the falcon seals are on more horizontal surfaces, therefore only compressing etc, not sliding/squeaking.
And the other is that the Focus uses a rubbery rubber, as opposed to a more plasticcy rubber like on the falcons.