[NeedNewWheels]

Recently when I've been starting up my 01 Ford Focus it is just loud and it idles rough, even when it warms up a little. My aunt has said "It sounds like a monster is living under your hood. You should get that checked out." What could be causing the roughness?

[FiveSpeed]

I can think of two things right off the bat (though one of them wouldn't have anything to do with how the engine sounds). The first is the water pump. When these fail, they make a terrible, squealing racket. The other thing I'm thinking of is wheel seals, especially if the noise is coming from one of the wheels.

If I can think of anything else that would make noise on a car, I'll add it here. Good luck in the meantime

[FiveSpeed]

I forgot to mention fan belts. Sometimes these will squeal for no apparent reason. Belt dressing (available at most auto parts stores) may help; however, more than likely, you need a new belt.

[NeedNewWheels]

Originally Posted by FiveSpeed

I forgot to mention fan belts. Sometimes these will squeal for no apparent reason. Belt dressing (available at most auto parts stores) may help; however, more than likely, you need a new belt.

You know, I thought it was the fan belt so I took it in. They replaced it and it is still making that loud noise! I wonder if that is just the car and I never noticed it. It's definitely coming from under the hood, not the wheels. Some days it is so rough the mirrors shake.

[FiveSpeed]

Hmmm. Have you had the exhaust headers (near the engine) checked? The car is almost 11 years old. It's possible the headers could have rusted and developed a hole, and that can cause lots of noise and vibration. Have it checked.

[NeedNewWheels]

Originally Posted by FiveSpeed

Hmmm. Have you had the exhaust headers (near the engine) checked? The car is almost 11 years old. It's possible the headers could have rusted and developed a hole, and that can cause lots of noise and vibration. Have it checked.

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess that is going to be my next option because I don't have anything else to go on. It definitely does have a vibration so I suppose it's a possibility.