New Focus owner, a couple of issues/questions

Danielbendigo · 18-11-2018, 09:23 PM

I have just been given a 2005 LS Focus CL hatch. I got the roadworthy three weeks ago, but a couple of intermittent problems have arisen.

The rear left indicator isn't working. I've replaced the globe but still no luck. The left indicator is flashing fast. I'm guessing a short, but does anyone else have any other suggestions/idea's.

The rear right brake is squealing. It doesn't when braking going forward, but when reversing while braking (like in or out of a parking space) it does it badly. Also when turning left, it makes a softer sound, dependent on speed. It seems to get worse as the temperature gets warmer. I think it's the park brake. Are they on a separate pad to the normal brakes, or all in one? I can't find online.

This car was given to me to do the Sh!tbox Rally next year, from Melbourne to Townsville via Birdsville. All cars must be worth less than $1000, and it raises funds for the Cancer Council (the 2018 rally raised $1.975m). I was worried this was worth too much, but after watching a few in online trade-in auctions, the one most similar to ours sold for $709.

This one was given to us by an lovely lady who just didn't drive it enough (1900km in just over 2 years). Most panels have scrapes, there's one that's rusted, the CD player doesn't work, and the air conditioning isn't as cold as it should be. But other than that it's great. Given the value of the car, and the leaking CV boot I've already replaced for the roadworthy, I'm keen to try and fix this myself, otherwise it won't be fixed, as I'll go over the $1000 limit.

My father bought a brand new 2007 build LT Focus CL in 2008. He'd been looking at smaller cars, but the deal put this within $1000 of the less well equipped Fiesta. I was so impressed that 4 months later I bought a second hand 2005 LS Ghia which I replaced with a cheaper Renault after four years. My parents bought the Focus for my mother, and have been happy with them both. I was planning on going without a car, but acceptance into the rally and being

Also, I'm after a two spare wheels and tyres (tyres don't count in the $1000), if anyone knows where I can find them. Just cheap as spares for on the 3600km rally if I blow one of what's on there.

**russellw** · 23-11-2018, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danielbendigo

The rear left indicator isn't working. I've replaced the globe but still no luck. The left indicator is flashing fast. I'm guessing a short, but does anyone else have any other suggestions/idea's.

To be sure, replace all the indicator globes, front and rear. It probably is a short but it may be in a globe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danielbendigo

The rear right brake is squealing. It doesn't when braking going forward, but when reversing while braking (like in or out of a parking space) it does it badly. Also when turning left, it makes a softer sound, dependent on speed. It seems to get worse as the temperature gets warmer. I think it's the park brake. Are they on a separate pad to the normal brakes, or all in one? I can't find online.

Yes they are.

marg99 · 24-11-2018, 07:52 AM

my LT (2007 Nov made) TDI used the rear pads for the park brake as they are on a screw arrangement connected to the piston meaning you need a special tool to replace the rear pads

Sar4890 · 24-11-2018, 09:26 AM

I have a 2005 LS LX spec Focus in the fleet and have had the two problems you have described. As for the rear indicator you have to replace the globe holder as they develop a fault in them and somtimes they will work somtimes they wont. Over the years ive replaced both sides.As for the brake rotor thing ive be told i can be a run out issue on the rotors mine makes weird sounds when reversing out the drive only when cold. To be honest i havent done anything about this as yet and its been doing it on and off for years.

brucewarring · 24-11-2018, 09:32 AM

Correct ....my LS Ghia makes the noise only when cold and reversing...I have done the lot changed the rotors and pads and still does it...have some good disks and pads for anyone who wants them....Bruce

Danielbendigo · 26-11-2018, 12:15 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'll try replacing the two front indicator globes as well and see if that makes a difference, otherwise maybe replacing the rear indicator holder unit.

I think the brakes are worse in the hot weather, rather than the cold. I'll have to drive it more to check. I certainly don't notice when driving it forward on the road (like forwarding out of the driveway if I've reversed in).

I'm remembering how great these are to drive, especially on a nice twisty smooth road.

brucewarring · 09-12-2018, 09:04 AM

Also Daniel, I find when I reverse first thing and the noise starts I pull on the handbrake and reverse with it just one and that stops the squeal....

Danielbendigo · 09-12-2018, 10:53 AM

The indicator fixed itself a couple of days after I last posted. Worked fine until tw days ago. I guess that explains how it was working for the RWC. I might check all the connections in the indicator.

I'll try the handbarake when reversing, see what difference it makes.

In the 6 weeks since I've got the car, I've now clicked over 1900km, the same distance it had travelled since its last service in May 2016 until October this year when I got it. It's a pleasure to drive, and I'm seeing fuel economy between 6.74l/100km to 7.6l/100km. I do majority highway/freeway driving with about 8 x 35km return freeway trips (against traffic in peak hour), and four return Bendigo/Melbourne trips. If I try, I also find it pretty economical driving around Bendigo where there's lots of round abouts and traffic lights, but not too much traffic that you can keep moving.