Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise

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Tue 3 Apr 2012 00:09
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - Jamesey

I have a Focus 2006 1.8 TDCI, 120k, drives fine but I notice a noise at idle (from inside the car, only just audible but definitely there) which is hard to describe, like a metallic rattling, irregular, like some small metal bits are loose and rattling around!

I have found it only occurs when the engine is fully warm, when cold or partially warm, I can't hear it. Also, it seems to go away when I depress the clutch.

If anyone knows what it might be and if its worth getting the garage to look at it I would be grateful.

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Tue 3 Apr 2012 10:07
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - Peter.N.

Possibly the clutch thrust bearing rattling if it stops when you press the clutch, does it also stop if you rev the engine a little, if so that's almost certainly what it is. I wouldn't worry about it as fixing it would involve removing the gearbox.

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Tue 3 Apr 2012 11:28
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - BenG

I'd agree with Peter. The clutch release bearing used to chatter on my Mk1 TDCI when the car was in neutral with the clutch up. Used to work fine though. Just try not to sit with the clutch pedal down for long periods or ride the clutch between gear changes as that tends to wear them out.

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Tue 3 Apr 2012 12:25
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - jc2

Could also be idler gear rattle-harmless.

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Tue 3 Apr 2012 21:49
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - Jamesey

Thanks for the comments. I don't know if these causes would only result in the noise when the engine is warm. You can't hear it when it's cold, I checked again today.

I can't say if the noise is there when I rev the engine, as its quiet enough that the normal engine noise then masks it! The noise I can hear is quiet, but definitely there.

I don't think I will worry about it, thanks again for the comments.

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Wed 4 Apr 2012 09:10
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - TeeCee

Thanks for the comments. I don't know if these causes would only result in the noise when the engine is warm. You can't hear it when it's cold, I checked again today.

The suggested idler gear rattle would. As would another possibility which would be a worn primary or layshaft bearing in the gearbox rattling slightly. No rattle with thick, cold oil, rattle with warm, thinner oil.

Might be worth changing the gearbox oil for new stuff that better maintains its viscosity when warm, when was that last done (if ever)? It wouldn't cost much and might just shut it up.

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Thu 5 Apr 2012 20:10
Ford Focus - 2006 Focus 1.8 TDCI idling noise - Jamesey

Ok I will consider changing the gearbox oil, or at least topping it up!

Thanks for all the advice.

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