sounds and feels like something is sticking

2002 FORD FOCUS

165,000 MILES • 2WD • MANUAL

HARMONYH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have a manual transmission 2002 ford focus. today when I left home, it was fine. halfway to my destination it started to feel a little sluggish. when I had the clutch down to shift, it wouldn't coast but instead felt like it was slowing down much faster than it should've been. When I go from a complete stop, it sounds as if something is sticking (brakes maybe?). When I left the place I was headed to, it was fine again. The next time I got into it, it started doing that whole thing again. Any ideas? is it something really serious and should it go in somewhere right away?

Mar 3, 2011 at 6:49 AM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

if brakes are sticking it will make the wheel hot that is sticking. see if you can smell it hot before you try to touch it as it will burn you quick! i've also experienced a dried up CV axle joint as a cause of the same symptoms.

Mar 15, 2021 at 7:38 PM

HARMONYH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Also, I don't know if this matters... I just thought of it. mid-november it started sounding like it wanted to stall when waiting at a red light or stop sign or just whatever. It doesn't do it in really cold weather though, but it seems anything above -15C to -20C it will do that. think they're related in any way?

Mar 15, 2021 at 7:38 PM

FIXITMR

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
9,990 POSTS

all the info you can provide is helpful in diagnosis. if it's not the wheels/brakes or axle then the possibilty increases that it's related.

Mar 15, 2021 at 7:38 PM

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