Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change

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Sat 16 Feb 2013 17:01
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - Jamesey

A few months ago I got the DMF and Clutch replaced on my 2009 Focus 1.8 TDCi, 135,000 miles. Soon afterwards, I noticed that when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, there is an audible 'clunk' when I lifting the clutch up (as I take my foot off it). It is the same however slowly and carefully I change gear. Can't hear it when doing any other gear changes.

Do you think it might be a gearbox problem, as its only when changing to 2nd gear? I didn't notice it before having the DMF and clutch changed. It has been the same for several months now although I only use the car say a couple of times a week.

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Mon 1 Apr 2013 17:05
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - willow

Jamesey. I can't comment on your clutch replacement but I had a similar probelm with my 1.6 Zetec on gears 1 2 3 and 4. It was discovered that I had a lose gearbox mount.

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Mon 1 Apr 2013 18:02
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - MrEckerslikefromRamsbottom

To check if it's the gearbox mount, get hold of the engine with both hands (whilst it's cold!). One hand on top and one hand gripping any convenient protrusion lower down, and try to pull the bottom of the engine forward. If the gearbox mounting rubber has broken, the engine will rock forward and back. Two minutes to change the mount when the car is up on a lift. 13mm socket required if it's like the 1.4Tdci.

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Fri 13 Sep 2013 08:37
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - Jamesey

Eventually got round to trying this. If anything is loose I don't think it's loose enough to be able to move it by hand. It's only when I apply some throttle after changing into second gear I get the clunk. Only has to be a bit of acceleration to get the noise. Never heard it when changing down from third to second (slowing down, yes some people still do this!)

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Sat 8 Mar 2014 13:45
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - carljones1

And also, people who have the petrol version do no suffer this clunking. When I finally got polar ford Castleford to change my car, they advised me to accept a petrol as all the desiel ones clunk.

Discracefull and I feel like the Victor Meldrew of driving. lol

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Thu 23 Oct 2014 21:14
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - SOLVED - Jamesey

For anyone reading this thread, I've solved the mystery. As stated on other threads/sites, this noise is (apparently) the ABS doing some kind of test when the car reaches 12mph, it just happens that I normally change into 2nd at about 10mph so I hear it just after lifting changing gear. It only happens once after starting the engine each time. The later posters on this thread (below) I suspect have a different problem.

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Sun 29 Sep 2019 19:06
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - SOLVED - Neil Davey
Hi, this sounds exactly like my problem. A clonk when changing to 2nd gear when starting off at about 10 mph. Just once after starting the engine. You say it’s the abs doing some sort of test. What can be done to rectify the problem?
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Sat 8 Mar 2014 13:39
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - carljones1

Dear ?,

I posted an essay on these problems. The dilemma is that ford will not recognise any clunking desiel cars as a fault. However, I contacted three ford independent specialists and they all said that clunking in the gearbox while the car is in motion is not right.

The honest John backroom is the post from myself and it started on the 27th June last year.

You can fight hammer and nail about this and trying to get resolve will frustrate you.

Whichcar, watchdog, trading standards and other professional outfits know about this and are not acting on it because (I believe) there is no safety issues so not worth doing anything. That of course is not good and for me, I spent 14000 and have been taken for a ride since. Excuse the pun! !!

Kind regards

Carl Jones

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Tue 25 Mar 2014 19:10
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - Wololol

Hi Jamesy

I recently purchased a 2006 1.8tdci diesel and have exactly the same problem. This issue also happens in fourth gear.

Also, when I apply the throttle more than subtlety the knock or clunking occurs then and this can also occur when removing foot from throttle. The car had a new clutch and dual master flywheel March last year so i thought it would be fine.

I did not actually test drive the car before buying it, my brothers friend did and I took his word that everything was fine as he is a car mechanic.

I just wondered if you managed to solve your problem? I have read a lot of problems about the clutch etc but the one you have describe is exactly the same.

I am hoping it’s something simple.

Cheers

I

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Tue 12 May 2015 14:23
Ford Focus - Clunk on gear change - Coombs33

Hi Jamesy

I recently purchased a 2006 1.8tdci diesel and have exactly the same problem. This issue also happens in fourth gear.

Also, when I apply the throttle more than subtlety the knock or clunking occurs then and this can also occur when removing foot from throttle. The car had a new clutch and dual master flywheel March last year so i thought it would be fine.

I did not actually test drive the car before buying it, my brothers friend did and I took his word that everything was fine as he is a car mechanic.

I just wondered if you managed to solve your problem? I have read a lot of problems about the clutch etc but the one you have describe is exactly the same.

I am hoping it’s something simple.

Cheers

I

I get a clunk sound when changing from 1st to 2nd and then to 3rd but none of the other gears and it happens every time. I have a 2011 diesel focus 40,000 on the clock. Ford changed the clutch and flywheel under warrantee last month as the fly wheel disintergrated taking out the clutch and i still get the noise so just guess that its a gearbox issue. I have tried every different driving style but no joy so ford might have to take another look.

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