Curious Focus noise

[Burnerman]

Ford Focus hatch, 07 plate, 46k miles.
During 20 mph straight line driving, I can feel a vibration / rumble through my feet.
Speed up a bit and we get more of a drone......swerving to and fro does seem to make things worse, but its quite a noisy car road wise anyway.
With the front end jacked up, I can lift the nearside driveshaft up a little where it goes into the diff......there is certainly some play, but no oil leak.
The otherside one is dual supported so no play there. I don't have another Focus about, so I can't compare anything.
What do you reckon - diff bearings? I can't feel anything wheel bearing wise but I know that doesn't mean much.
The car has also a buckle in its N/S wheel but I changed it for the spacesaver - with minimal difference. I'm wondering if that has upset things.
Any comments welcome! The car is a bit young to have these sort of issues, I feel.
Have a good evening, everyone
John

 

[Belle427]

how badly is the wheel buckled?
is it possible someone has smacked the curb and done some damage to one of the shaft joints?

 

[Burnerman]

I put the car up on jacks, into second gear, clutch out and spun the wheels....I guess the N/S rim has a buckle of 4mm, maybe. Its on the inner edge of the wheel, naturally where its weakest.
I couldn't detect any untrue movement on the drive shaft, but the fact that I can feel play at the inner end spooks me.
The C.V joints feel smooth but I don't want to pop a drive shaft in to find that nothing has changed
Don't really know what to do!
John

 

[libby lou lou]

I'd start by making sure you have good wheels and tyres all round, then get it in to have the steering, alignment of the wheels etc, checked, can tell you a lot for about £20.

 

[Burnerman]

The car is due to come to me anyway, for a service, tyres and new discs / pads.
The thing is, if its a transmission issue the sound idea may be to trade it on.
Unusually I think its second opinion time
John

 

[Belle427]

horrible faults to diagnose these as noises are usually only present with the car on the ground!
good luck

 

[Burnerman]

Update:
I've studied the design of the transmission and driveshafts and I reckon if the car has biffed the kerb at a slight steering angle, that would be enough to wreck the bearing carrier which I think is nylon.....could be new transmission time!
Should find out for sure tomorrow.
John