Shawna’s question:
“Hi , We recently changed our radiator out in our 02 Ford Focus (it had a large gash in it, most likely from road dbpris flying up into it). Since changing it, the cooling fan is very loud when it is engaged and running. It is not running hot, so should we be concerned about this issue? If so, what steps should we take to fix it? Thank you.”
Answer:
OK, first, make sure that the fan blades aren’t touching any part of the radiator or the plastic shroud that holds the fan. THEN, if it isn’t, remove the fan assembly and run it directly from the battery with little jumper wires. It could just be that the fan motor is worn out and wobbling. And this wobbling may have been what caused a gash in the radiator–the wobbling blades could have cut a hole in the radiator.
Andie’s question:
My 2002 Focus bogs down at times when I’m going fast. No one can seem to figure out what’s wrong. It just runs fine, then I can’t go over sixty miles an hour. No trouble codes are stored at all.
Answer:
Of course there are many things that can do that, but most will trip a trouble code and turn the check engine light on. It’s generally fuel problems that won’t trip a code, as the engine computer doesn’t have a sensor for the fuel pressure. SO, first, change out the fuel filter, it could be that simple. If that doesn’t do it, then have the fuel pump tested for correct pressure and volume. If either is low, replace the pump. Good Luck,
Rafael’s Question: I just put rear brake shoes on my 2002 Focus, and now they squeak a lot. What did I do wrong?
Ford Focus 2002
Answer: Well, first, make sure you used good brake shoes. Don’t just go to any discount auto store and buy the lowest price shoes available. They will often make noise. AND, when you installed the shoes, make sure you put some silicone brake lubricant grease on all the inside contact points of the brake shoes BEFORE you put the shoes back on. If you don’t do this, then the metal on the brake shoe backing will rub against the metal on the hub plate and make a lot of squeaking– especially when you stop quickly (the faster you stop, the more the shoes vibrate, the louder the noise.) So, it may be as simple as you not putting lubrication on the inside of the brake shoes.
