2001 Ford Focus ZX3 rattle - The Ford Focus Forum

**the2beachbums** · 10-30-2009, 06:00 PM

We're new to the Ford Focus and this one has us stumped. The tensioner shakes/rattles(loudly) only when a/c compressor kicks on and car is in drive or reverse. Car runs fine when a/c is off. Previous owner replaced a/c compressor and I have replaced tensioner pulley and idler pulley and serpentine belt to no avail. Several mechanics have offered guesses but no solutions. Possible guesses were harmonic balancer needs replacement, engine mounts failing, a/c needs to be evacuated and refilled due to air non-condensables or possible a/c overcharge... Any ideas?

Thanks

**GapBoyPCS** · 10-30-2009, 06:57 PM

Welcome to FocalJet.

I'm leaning towards an issue with maybe the refrigerant being overfilled or underfilled. The only reason is because I have had a rattle, and my dealer determined that the rattle was due to low refrigerant level from leaks at the condenser, lines and an o-ring.

Have your mechanics performed a leak test on the a/c?

**the2beachbums** · 10-30-2009, 09:06 PM

Thanks for the quick response. I am having the a/c checked tommorrow. I will update after that.
Thanks!

10-30-2009, 06:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
the2beachbums Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	2001 Ford Focus ZX3 rattle We're new to the Ford Focus and this one has us stumped. The tensioner shakes/rattles(loudly) only when a/c compressor kicks on and car is in drive or reverse. Car runs fine when a/c is off. Previous owner replaced a/c compressor and I have replaced tensioner pulley and idler pulley and serpentine belt to no avail. Several mechanics have offered guesses but no solutions. Possible guesses were harmonic balancer needs replacement, engine mounts failing, a/c needs to be evacuated and refilled due to air non-condensables or possible a/c overcharge... Any ideas? Thanks

10-30-2009, 06:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
GapBoyPCS Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Waterloo/Toronto/GTA, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,227	Re: 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 rattle Welcome to FocalJet. I'm leaning towards an issue with maybe the refrigerant being overfilled or underfilled. The only reason is because I have had a rattle, and my dealer determined that the rattle was due to low refrigerant level from leaks at the condenser, lines and an o-ring. Have your mechanics performed a leak test on the a/c? __________________ Richard - 2002 ZTS \| Sangria Red \| 434,000+ km...Be Bold, Stay Focused 24-7 Redline Rendezvous \| OFOC - Ontario Focus Owners Club \| SVTOA-Toronto [FJ] focaljet - Forum Guidelines - Welcome to the Jet - Team Canada - FJ Store - Sponsors - SEARCH

10-30-2009, 09:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
the2beachbums Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2	Re: 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 rattle Thanks for the quick response. I am having the a/c checked tommorrow. I will update after that. Thanks!

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