Hey Scotty, I have a 2012 Ford Escape Limited , 6 cylinder automatic with front wheel drive and the front end noise is driving me nuts. The struts look fine to me, no bouncing and they  are not leaking. I have also changed the sway bar links but the noise is still there. It’s sounds like a groaning or grinding noise. It also seems to go away after driving about five miles. I notice it mostly when I’m backing out of my driveway and turning onto the street. I’ve tried spraying the bottom of the strut springs where they seat at the bottom plate with red spray grease thinking they could be grinding there. I’ve even tried silicone spray. You name it and I’ve tried it. Could it be front body mounts wherever they are located? I’m at a total loss. The vehicle has 61000 miles on it and you can eat off of the engine, it’s that clean. Any ideas what I could do. I’ve heard that Ford has been aware of this issue but can’t find a fix. 

Thank you so much

Tom Muskett. 

“In God We Trust”

Tom, Squirrel Team Six.