Car parts and drivetrain components for Ford Focus.
The most common signs are heavy vibrations under acceleration or unusual noises when driving in a straight line. If the vibrations stop when you take your foot off the accelerator, it is often the inner joint of the drive shaft that is worn.
The outer CV joint sits next to the wheel and accommodates steering; when faulty, it usually makes a clicking noise when turning. The inner CV joint sits by the gearbox and accommodates vertical suspension travel; faults here typically cause vibrations.
Yes, if you catch the damage early before dirt and grit have entered the joint, replacing the CV boot and packing it with fresh grease may suffice. However, if the joint has already started to make noise, it must be replaced.
No, drive shafts vary depending on the engine (e.g. 1.6 TDCi vs 2.0 RS), gearbox (manual vs automatic) and model year. Always select your car's exact model, year and engine variant to find the correct part.
This is a classic symptom of a worn inner constant velocity joint. When excess play develops in the joint, it creates an imbalance that is most noticeable under engine load during acceleration.
Most Ford Focus models are front-wheel drive and have two front drive shafts. All-wheel drive versions such as the Focus RS also feature rear drive shafts as well as a propeller shaft.