Ford advice please

wannabee_in_credit

Morning all

I drive a 2005 Ford Focus which has caused me no end of bother since I bought it. This morning I got in with my kids and drove to my son's nursery. I dropped him off and went to drive to school, but as soon as I pulled away there was an awful grinding creaking sound coming from the back of the car. My dd said it was coming from her side of the car (driver's side). I pulled in at the side of the road about 200 yards from the nursery and had a look under the car. Suspension appeared fine - opened boot and closed it, rocked the car at the back. Got in and drove off to a couple of minor creaking sounds which then stopped. I decided to risk the drive to school and work (15 miles) and heard nothing at all the whole way.
Just wondering if anyone has any ideas? I'm a bit clueless - wondered if it was a back brake problem, or if it might be something to do with the handbrake?
As it's stopped should I leave it, or get it booked in asap? Or should I stick it in for a service (it's due May) and see what happens? Just it's my only transportation, and if I don't have it I can't get to work.
Thanks in advance to anyone more knowledgable than I am about cars.

Notmyrealname

Grinding is worn brake pads or shoes. How well do you get it serviced?

Creaking is usually dried out rubber bushes.

wannabee_in_credit

I do 12000 miles a year and it gets an annual service. As I say, it's due in May but I might just stick it in early for service because surely the garage would pick up on that?
Thanks

forgotmyname

If the pads are down to the metal, It wont stop as well as it should and the discs may need replacing as well as the pads. Pads, Discs, Cables, Calipers Anything upto £400 for the whole lot.
Just the pads £100? probably less.

Coil springs can break, Sometimes with no real difference in rideheight or noise.

Suspension bushes etc...

Not something you want to wait for it to get worse, Could be a wheel bearing, If one of those seize at speed the wheel can lock. Not something you want with kids in the car.

jimbo_the_jetset

wannabee_in_credit wrote: »

surely the garage would pick up on that?
Thanks

Depends on the garage really. Grinding when you pulled away is a little bizarre. Did you notice any resistance, i.e. handbrake sticking on?

I would raise it with the garage and specifically get them to check out the back of the car and brakes. Most garages do not remove the wheels or strip and inspect/service the brakes at a regular service (glorified oil & filter change).

Strider590

I reckon it's had the brake pads replaced with inferior parts and they're misaligned on the rear somewhere..... If they're not original OEM fit, they can move about and cause strange noises.

I'll say though, on the issue mentioned above somwhere, if a coil spring has snapped, you need to make sure it's not sticking out toward your tyre..... It should be obvious why I mention that.