The Ford Focus Shake...

[Dep. Ranger]

I recently bought my girlfriend an 02 Ford Focus SE 2.0L with SOHC with 68,000mi. When we bought the car, it would vibrate the dash and steering wheel at idle under no load. It would still vibrate at speeds of under 40mph. Once the car is over 40mph, it runs smoothly. No issues with shifting. It appears to only vibrate at idle and when you let off the gas pedal.
I replaced oil, oil filter, Autolite plugs, Duralast wires, Fram air filter.

I know some of you all work for Ford and are probably aware of this issue. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[Earl43P]

I don't know what they call the motor mount right where the serpentine belt drive is, but that's the one I'd suspect. Big old Bob Marley chunk of rubber in that thing, I'd bet it's all squashed. You'll need to support the oil pan to replace it. Don't just unbolt it or the engine will drop "a bit". It's easier if you unbolt the reservoir and tie it up to the proprod, out of your way; no need to empty it.

 

[Dep. Ranger]

So you suspect a motor mount. Does anything else come to mind?
Thanks for the response. Please keep them coming

 

[Snowboarder7710]

i agree with the motor mount...check that first.

 

[Jay FX4]

My '01 ZX2 with the same engine used to vibrate the cabin a lot at idle, but that was because of a vacuum leak. As soon as I gave it gas it would smooth out, and I didn't notice it at higher speeds, so it wasn't exactly the same problem as you're having, but similar.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Give me your VIN, I can check for TSB's for this and let you know.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

motor mount agreed

 

[Dep. Ranger]

Thanks for all the responses. I will have to run some checks on her vehicle this weekend.

Sasquatch_Ryda I will pm you the vin when I see her this weekend.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Downey]

My '01 ZX2 with the same engine used to vibrate the cabin a lot at idle, but that was because of a vacuum leak. As soon as I gave it gas it would smooth out, and I didn't notice it at higher speeds, so it wasn't exactly the same problem as you're having, but similar.

my 07 does this every once in a while and i have just been told it a focus thing but mine only did it bad a couple times it hasnt done it in a while now

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Thanks for all the responses. I will have to run some checks on her vehicle this weekend.

Sasquatch_Ryda I will pm you the vin when I see her this weekend.

Thanks everyone!

Sounds good. Seems to me I remember there being a TSB for rocks/road debris getting into a motor/ trans mount causing a vibration. The fix was a plastic shield IIRC.

 

[Dep. Ranger]

Yea, I read that too on another website. Not to sound dumb but what is a TSB and an IIRC?

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

A Technical Service Bulliten is a documnt that techs and engineers make when they find a fix for a common problem.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Bingo.

IIRC = If I Remember Correctly.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

If this helps, here you go:

FORD: 2000-2010 Focus


This article supersedes TSB(s) 08-24-09 to update the vehicle model years.

ISSUE:
Some 2000-2010 Focus vehicles may exhibit an excessive engine vibration at idle, most noticeable when the transmission is engaged in reverse. This condition may be caused by small stones, road debris, ice or snow packed/lodged in the rear engine roll restrictor.

ACTION:
Inspect the rear engine roll restrictor for debris and install service shield if necessary.