Hi All

Wondering if anyone out there can help with a recent issue thats developed with my Focus.

Car has done 112,000 miles, but for the last couple hundred miles when I accelerate hard in a high gear while at low revs (between 1000 - 2000 rpm), I get a flapping, vibrating noise from the front drivers side area. It doesn't happen by revving engine while stationary, only happens when driving, accelerating gently doesn't produce the sound, and after around 2000 rpm the noise goes away. The best way to describe the noise is like the sound that is made when you put a piece of card in the spokes of a bicycle wheel while its rotating. The sound isn't noticable in the lower gears, but can't be sure that it isn't happening in these gears. I've changed the alternator belt thinking that it could've become loose, but this hasn't rectified the problem. The engine undershield and top cover are firmly attached, as is the wheel arch liner. There is no physical vibration from the car during the noise, and the running of the car is as it should be. I know of someone else who has the same car as me, and has had this noise going on for the last two years of owning it, but car still runs ok. We'd both like to get to the bottom of this noise and hoping someone out there can help us out. Have heard that some Mondeo TDCI owner experience similar noises that have been linked to intercooler supporting bracket issues, didn't know if this could be a possibility with the Focus, as the intercooler is located at the front drivers side of the car IIRC.

Any views, advice or help regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated.