Strange noise

[Typorir]

I have a 1994 Escort with 229,000 miles on it, recently it began making a noise at around 35 to 40 mph, if I give it more gas the noise stops, it also is not present at lower or higher speeds, just around 35 to 40.

The noise sounds like, running a fork over the grate of a bbq grill, there is no noticeable increase in vibration and the engine doesn't sound sluggish when it happens either.

This just started so the only trouble shooting I've done is check the fluids and belts, and made sure nothing was obviously loose underneath.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Davescort97]

Welcome to AF. The most common problem would be the constant-velocity (CV) half shafts. Does it do it when turning? The wheel bearing could be starting to go out. Jack her up and rotate the wheel for roughness. Check the top and the bottom of the McPherson struts for worn or broken mounts.

We need more information. Does it do it sitting and idling in neutral? Does it do it according to engine speed or just road speed? Is your tranny an automatic or manual 5 speed? Does it do it when going 35 to 40 in top gear? Any gear? Does it go away if you apply the brakes? It could be a wheel balance. Rotate the back tires to the front. Does it go away?

[Typorir]

Hello!

Yes, I can reproduce the noise if I make a very sharp turn at slow speeds otherwise it does not make the nose when sitting or idling, only at around 35 to 40 miles per hour road speed (the speedometer is broken) and only in the main Drive gear, it is an automatic transmission.

It does go away if I apply the brakes, I shall rotate the tires and check the wheel joints this week. Thanks.

[AzTumbleweed]

I'll go with Dave and say it's the CV joints. They can make a noise as you describe. I have replaced one joint and the other makes noise. I have 296,000 miles on my '93 wagon.

[Davescort97]

I think the bearing is bad since it goes away when the brakes are applied. The brake discs are called rotors. The rotors are mounted on the hub. The wheel bearing is in the center of the hub. When the brakes are applied it acts as a damper to the gearing.

[Intuit]

The noise sounds like, running a fork over the grate of a bbq grill, there is no noticeable increase in vibration and the engine doesn't sound sluggish when it happens either.

Catalytic Converter heat shield. May find one or more of the four welds broken.
Same vehicle except mine came off like seven years ago. Manual shift BTW.

BTW I've done CV Joints on this vehicle and they make a squeaky noise like bad-bearings when making hard turns. Only reason they failed is because the boots tore. Otherwise they'd still be in there.

You got me beat by ~3,000 miles.