2005 zx3: clunking sound?

"Matt" wrote

I'd check to see if your spare tire and associated jack and handle are secure.

I have the same problem on a 2000 Estate (UK). I have completely removed the rear seats, and it sounds the same only louder. It's been doing it for over

2 years now. I got a friend to drive the car whilst l lay in the back. It sounds underneath, and is a dull heavy thud, but no sign of anything loose or worn. Car has covered over 12K miles and it isn't getting better or worse . Four garages have looked at it, but failed to find any fault.

yeah, I think I figured out what it was. I don't know how earlier models of the Focus work, but when you fold the rear seats down, you need to first fold the seat cushions up (the part you sit on in the back seat), and then fold the back rests down. The cushions that you sit on in the back seat (just being overly specific here so you know what I'm talking about) have a metal shield on the underside, so that when they fold up, there's a metal shield between whatever's in the expanded trunk and you in the front.

I think it was the metal of the cushion's underside bumping against the metal body of the car that was making the sound. but it should have some padding there, I think, 'cause it's loud and annoying when the seat's up.