Intermittent noise near door panel

DMM133020

MEMBER
2012 FORD FIESTA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

Intermittent noise sounds like coming from right door panel middle to back of car. The best way I can describe is it sounds like rocks being kicked around inside, but not constant and does not matter what speed. Started right after a recent Ford oil change and tire rotation. There was a lapse in the noise for almost two weeks but now it is back, still only intermittent.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com. Since the noise seems to be coming from behind the door panel, chances are something has come loose in the door. What I suggest is to remove the panel and check for loose parts such as linkage, bolts, guides, regulator. I have attached an exploded view of both the front and rear doors. Picture 1 is the front.

I will also like to let you know there was a recall on a door latch paw on these vehicles. The last two pictures are the recall notice sent out to owners. It is possible that this problem may be the cause of the noise or the recall was done and something left loose. If you have not had the recall repair taken care of, contact a dealer. Provide your VIN number and let them check if it is still an open recall for your vehicle. Also, if it is a recall, there is no charge to you for the repairs.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, June 4th, 2018 AT 7:41 PM

DMM133020

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you, Joe. I will check on the recall. I really appreciate the time and attention you paid to my problem. Is it possible a noise like that to be caused by a wheel bearing issue? A seal or anything? It is just so strange that the first I heard it was right after a tire rotation. I thought of maybe a better way to describe the noise, even though describing sounds is such nonsense sometimes and makes sense only to the person hearing the noise, but puts me in mind of the noise caused by the kick up of tar/pebbles on a freshly oiled, tarred road. And never constant, at the most it lasts for about fifteen seconds and then maybe will not happen again at all through the trip or it could happen on ten different occasions on the same twenty mile trip in to work. I am not sure that will help narrow it down, but I truly do appreciate your help.

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Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 AT 12:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi again. I am here to help, so do not feel funny asking questions. The way you described the noise is different then I imagined for something in the door. Is there any way you could record it on a phone and upload it for me to hear?

As far as a bearing, when bad, they usually make a howling noise which will change pitch when making turns, so I do not think that is the problem. If all they did was rotate the tires, there really is not a lot to do wrong unless they left a lug nut loose and it is stuck behind a hubcap or something like that.

If possible, see if the sound changes when turning, check to make sure the wheels are all tight, and check to see if anything is hanging from under the vehicle. If you can upload the audio of the noise, it may help me.

Let me know,
Joe

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Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 AT 4:44 PM

DMM133020