[Poolman]

I have a 2010 EcoBoost Flex. In the two weeks with the car, I've noticed a clunking sound coming from the front end when going over more aggressive bumps (speed bumps, sharp shallow pot-holes, etc.) I have it scheduled to go into the shop tomorrow but wondered if anyone else has experienced this. I know the EcoBoost has a firmer ride but still don't think it should sound the way it does. The rear does not exhibit the same sound... it sounds like I would expect: a dull 'thud'. Thanks.

[rmc523]

Poolman, on 16 September 2009 - 12:15 AM, said:

I have a 2010 EcoBoost Flex. In the two weeks with the car, I've noticed a clunking sound coming from the front end when going over more aggressive bumps (speed bumps, sharp shallow pot-holes, etc.) I have it scheduled to go into the shop tomorrow but wondered if anyone else has experienced this. I know the EcoBoost has a firmer ride but still don't think it should sound the way it does. The rear does not exhibit the same sound... it sounds like I would expect: a dull 'thud'. Thanks.

Yes, I've had the same problem in my 09 AWD Limited. I have tested others, and it seems they all do this for whatever reason.

[kurtsbusa]

rmc523, on 26 September 2009 - 06:38 PM, said:

Yes, I've had the same problem in my 09 AWD Limited. I have tested others, and it seems they all do this for whatever reason.

yep same on my 09 FWD also

[moparharn]

Yep, took mine in for it and it really would not do it for the tech, but I think it is just part of the vehicle. I have the 20" wheels and this may contribute to the problem. My problem is somewhat intermitent and my be a hanging tube,resevoir, who knows.[





quote name='kurtsbusa' date='02 October 2009 - 11:44 PM' timestamp='1254541491' post='4648']
yep same on my 09 FWD also
[/quote]

[cbss]

I have the same thing on 09 Limited, when going over a speed bump on the right side front there is a loud bang noise, have had the thing all apart and could not see anything that looks bad.

This post has been edited by cbss: 11 October 2009 - 04:17 AM

[jgold]

Guys:

If the sound comes from the left front end, I think I might have an answer.... open your hood and look towards the front of the fuse box. If I am right you will find a smaller box lying (not fastend) on top of pat of the fender. This box actually bounces up when you hit a hard bump. Now look along the fender just front of the fuse box, you will find a hole with a spring nut. I think this is where that box should be mounted........ but Ford did not do it..... I went out to my local Pep Boys and got the nut and a NEW spring nut for the screw I got and mounted the box back on the fender. The clunk/bang sound is no longer there.

Hope this helps out a bit

Jim

[cbss]

Well after installing my Ebach front springs today (wow what a job) I took her out for a test run,and low and behold the same speed bumbs that I had the loud banging sound after going over now is NO MORE BANGING SOUND, I tried it over and over and it seems to be gone. Dont know what it was but glad it seems to be gone.
Chuck

[Poolman]

Thank you all for your comments and feedback. I returned my flex to the shop and they replaced the front shocks (had to wait a couple of weeks for them to arrive from the US (I'm in Canada). Replacing the shocks (with the same I'm assuming) helped reduce the problem initially but the sound has come back again). Definitely not something I would want to live with... makes me cringe every time I go over a bump. The sound is most noticeable over rough pavement, recessed manhole covers, speed bumps, that sort of thing.

It's going in tomorrow for a small leather seat repair/defect and I will mention your findings to the service manager. I love the car except for this one issue!

This post has been edited by Poolman: 19 October 2009 - 03:41 PM

[cbss]

Did the dealer ever find anything?
Chuck

[Poolman]

So far, the dealer hasn't been able to find anything specific. I was able to take another similar model out for a drive, one that the Service Manager suggested made a similar sound but, when we took that one out, it didn't seem to make the sound. Strangely enough, mine didn't seem so noticeable either at that time. I'm not sure if the weather conditions had any effect. I can say that mine is still making the sound and I'm going to try comparing it again with another unit. I will keep you posted. BTW. The courtesy car I had while the dealership was checking out my Flex, a new Ford Focus, exhibited that clunking sound big time... but I certainly expect more from my Flex.

[Poolman]

cbss, on 01 November 2009 - 03:04 AM, said:

Did the dealer ever find anything?
Chuck

BTW. Chuck, is the modification you made to yours with the Ebach springs still solving the problem? The Service Manager said they (understandably) can't install after-market parts for me so that's not an option I'm exploring at this time.

[Poolman]

Just wanted to mention that we took a close look at the problem including driving a similar 2010 Ecoboost Flex and decided that the sound we're hearing is acceptable. I do notice it over certain bumps occasionally and I would prefer if I didn't, but part of the reason for the sound is probably the stiff suspension. All in all we're very happy with our Flex having driven 5600km in the past 3 months including two 1000km road trips where we averaged approximately 10 L/100km.

[cbss]

the modification with the Ebach springs seems to have fixed the banging sounds, now.I can hit the same spped bumps at 45 mph and no banging.I am tending to think the shocks with the factory springs are topping out (the travel is larger then the shocks shaft will go). I need to remove the shocks and see whatt the travel is and then see what the shocks shaft travel is.
Chuck

This post has been edited by cbss: 20 January 2010 - 04:02 AM