I have a 2001 1.8 16v ford focus, there has been a rattling and scraping sound coming from underneath the car, I had a mechanic take the heat shield off as that was hanging down but the noise is still there. it almost sounds like something is knocking again a back tyre and there is vibration through the steering wheel. cannot get a mobile mechanic to come to us as there aren't any locally and would like an idea of what it could be before taking it to a garage (if i dare drive it to one). thanks in advance :)

Carl, April 2013

I would have a look at your front end,if you are getting vibration through your steering wheel then I would jack up the front end and have a look for loose wheel nuts,tyres/wheels that are out of round/out of balance,a/roll bar links,lower suspension arms/bushes/balljoints,steering joints,t/rod ends,wheel bearings,c.v joints,also check engine/g/box mounts

cdc, April 2013