Weird Noises.

[Sp3c1al ReG]

First off im new to these boards, but i was looking for info o my 98' Escort and was wondering if someone could give some helpful suggestions. Ok this is the problem. It seems like when Im in slow traffic, inching my way, or breaking, or even moving slow around a corner, My car makes a TERRIBLE noise. It sounds like a high pitch screetch. I think it occrus most often when after driving for a long time. Anyone have any ideas what is causing this noise? Thx in advance.

[vette_7t9]

is it happen consistently, or just on and off?

[Sp3c1al ReG]

Its mainly after long drives. I drive about a half hour to school everyday. I usually get stuck in local traffic and i can hear it screetching over my music. When i drop my sister off, and im pulling out you can hear it. So i guess its on and off. not really sure what to call it.

[vette_7t9]

screech as in umm...kinda like bird chirps or more like grinds?

[Sp3c1al ReG]

I guess you could say like a bird chirping type noise, except more high pitched and annoying. I did have some work done on the brakes not to long ago, im not sure what they did since my dad took it in. maybe that has something to do with it?

[Jet-Lee]

Where does it come from? or where does it sound like it comes from? Does it affect engine/transmission performance? Does it affect driving/handling performance? Do you FEEL anything along with the sound?

[Sp3c1al ReG]

It doesnt affect my driving or transmission or anything. BEing the driver, i think its coming from the front. a friend tells me it might be possible also that my back right (right from the driver) brakes might be sticky, but thats from hearing noises after stepping off the brake. I dont feel anything either. i just hear this ear pearcing noise once i come to a full stop and start up driving again, or just inching through traffic. i guess im not mch of help =\

[Jet-Lee]

hey, every little bit helps. That has narrowed it down for all mechanics reading this post. I'm no mechanic, but it sounds to me like ur brakes are just squealin, as far as fixing it, i know there's some "Stop-Squeak" stuff you can get at AutoZone, but as far as how/where to apply it, i dunno, never had the need for it. Good luck, keep us posted.

[Sp3c1al ReG]

Thx, im taking it in to get it looked at thursday

[cogsncogs]

@ Sp3c1al ReG

I'd say your back brake shoes are sticking, not releasing properly. On my brothers '97 Escort the brake release was rusted up. So when you apply your brakes they would engage but not fully release when you took you foot off the brake, so they would still be in contact with the drum and therefore squeal. I'm not talking about the parking brake release cable. There's a spring and a lever mech. the pulls your shoes back away from the drum when you take your foot off the brake (and that also applys to the parking brake), the back shoes are self adjusting ie when you go in reverse and brake they're supposed to auto adjust themselves. A little bit of Liquid Wrench and WD 40 together does wonders here. But I caution you don't get the stuff on the shoes or drum! or the calipers!
Also your rear shoes could be worn completely out! NOT GOOD! Have a competent mechanic friend have a-looksie in there. If not take it to a shop, but beware some brake shops will screw you in the a-hole royally! And they won't even have the g-d courtesy to let you you have a reach around!
And I can't stress this more, since I don't know you capabilities, If you've never done this before ie not qualified; DON'T DO IT YOURSELF!
Working brakes: Alive and well to see another day!
Not-working brakes: Six feet under and possibly take someone else with you! Like me!

Wayne

[myoldself]

Hello,
My girlfriend and I drive a 97 escort, and were laughing at your message because we are havig the EXACT same problems with a loud shrill squeal. I dont think it's anything to do with the brakes though, because the noise happens when the car is stopped as well as when driving. It happens exactly the same way you say it does: low turns, slowly in traffic, over the music, and randomly at high speeds. It happens also, mostly at going about 15km/h and the RPM gauge says 2700. Our mechanic friend tried looking at it twice, and thinks it's coming from behind the engine above the transmission.

SO, seeing as how we are having the same problem, if you find out what it is, can you let me know what it is? it's such a terrible sound, and you can hear it a good two blocks away.

thanks

[Sp3c1al ReG]

Well its at the shop now, our mechanic is a old friend. They seem to think it could be the Serpentine (sp?) Belt. Ill see when i get it. Yes the noise is terrible. I have 2 10" Subs and i still hear it

[cogsncogs]

Originally posted by: Sp3c1al ReG
i just hear this ear pearcing noise once i come to a full stop and start up driving again, or just inching through traffic. i guess im not mch of help

Well I guess I misunderstood your post. It looked like to me you were saying the noise happens after you come to a stop and THEN start driving again. If it's happening while you're stopped, ie not moving, then it's not the brakes! It's prob as your mechanic said.

Wayne

[Sp3c1al ReG]

I got my car back yesterday. They fixed my rear brakes and replaced the left front Tie Rod End. The noise is gone for the most part. I heard it a lil this morning but w/e its not as bad as it used to be and the the squeaking from letting off my brake is gone too...so im happy. I dont know if anyone elses car has the same issues as mine, but that is what they did.

[cogsncogs]

@ Sp3c1al ReG,

Glad to hear you've solved your problem!

Originally posted by: myoldself
over the music

Huh?

Wayne

BTW; Remember when cars had grease fittings, (nipples!)?