Focus groan

Sticky brake calliper?

Jack it up when cold, and see how easy/hard the wheel is to turn.

Chris

Sticky brake calliper?

Jack it up when cold, and see how easy/hard the wheel is to turn.

Chris

To op, Could it be a wheel bearing making this noise ?

Chris, out of interest how hard or easy should the wheel move, should it spin freely or require some force to move ?

They *generally* are noisier when hot, and when cornering.

It won't spin freely; it's FWD. If the calliper is sticking enough to make a noise, you would feel it though.

If inexperience makes you wonder, comparison is the way to go. Jack up the quiet side first, and see how easily it turns.

Chris

They *generally* are noisier when hot, and when cornering.

Ahhh I see. Also read that holding the tyre 6 and 12 oclock if there is play it could indicate a worn wheel bearing.

It won't spin freely; it's FWD. If the calliper is sticking enough to make a noise, you would feel it though.

If inexperience makes you wonder, comparison is the way to go. Jack up the quiet side first, and see how easily it turns.

Chris

I see, if I ever get the problem I'll have a go, or maybe when I do the front pads/discs on Sunday I'll have a go to see how they spin. So if it ever happens I can reference how they are supposed to work :) .. future proofing lol.

So what's the cure for a sticky brake calliper out of interest ?

In detail, it depends on the type. In general terms, moving the piston(s) out as far as is safe without them falling out, then cleaning the exposed circumference of the piston(s), followed by cleaning any surfaces that are designed slide against each other in normal operation.

Suitable brake grease can be applied to any sliding surfaces, but not to the piston(s)!

If these simple things are done each time the pads are replaced (as they should be!), then it's much less likely that a calliper will stick in the first place.

Chris

In detail, it depends on the type. In general terms, moving the piston(s) out as far as is safe without them falling out, then cleaning the exposed circumference of the piston(s), followed by cleaning any surfaces that are designed slide against each other in normal operation.

Suitable brake grease can be applied to any sliding surfaces, but not to the piston(s)!

So you basically lube around the piston side part, my son friend who's interested in cars says he uses brake fluid to lube it ? I guess red brake grease would do the job or some high heat grease, I have some but have forgotten the name off the top of my head, its in a white tube with red writing ... pffft eludes me.

If these simple things are done each time the pads are replaced (as they should be!), then it's much less likely that a calliper will stick in the first place.

Sadly it seems garage miss the simple things or maybe intentionally just can't be bothered.

Chris

Apart from a stuck brake, Suspension bits can make a noise like that, as the suspension lifts on pullaway, it creaks. I expect you could hear it by pressing down/releasing that corner. Another thing that sometimes makes a groan on pullaway is a worn clutch shock absorber, but I haven't had one of those on a focus, fiesta often had it.

NOT TO THE PISTON(S)!

Any lubricant here may well cause the seal to swell, and result in a previously free piston sticking.

Chris

You can use the special grease for the job, such as Millers red rubber grease or girling red grease.

TBH, I've never found it to be necessary. By just cleaning the piston, and lubricating any other moving parts, I've never had any calliper problems with any of the vehicles I've maintained.

Chris