Grinding Noise, Help! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

antigravity · 03-12-2003, 04:21

Guys I've got a problem,

just recently i've noticed a worryingly loud grinding noise coming from the front end of the car at low speeds. I'm sure it happens at all speed but it's only noticable from the cabin at low speeds. It's present more often than not, but I can't tell why it disappears sometimes. Turning the wheel does seem to set it off, but it does happen without turning the wheel too..

My 3speed has gone to hell and is in dire need of a swap over. Could it be the 3speed? Could it somehow have something to do with my brake pads as they're due for a change too..

Please help, I'm dying here!!
Dave.

PS. I just started uni and in the parking lots the speed bumps are very high and cause the bottom of my car to scrape, and sometimes bang quite hard against them. Could it be because of this? Could I sue them!?!?! heheheh :)

Jamie · 03-12-2003, 07:10

check your brake pads soon. If they are worn, you want to replace them before they do damage to the disc.. could save you $300. just take the wheel off and look BOTH sides of the disc for grooves. If there are none, make sure there is plenty of meat on the pad. I think the MINIMUM is 1mm (I don't know if its the Falcon or a Probe) but it is this much.. Replace them.

Rmyers · 03-12-2003, 08:16

I had the same symptoms, turned out my timing chain and timing gears were totally ****ed and clogged with dried up oil, it cost a fair few dollars to fix!

TopGhia · 03-12-2003, 12:45

Let's hope it's the brakes.

antigravity · 03-12-2003, 16:20

mummy!!!!!! :(

Rmyers · 03-12-2003, 16:23

Can you hear it when the cars stationary, like at the lights?

antigravity · 03-12-2003, 19:03

No, it only happens when I'm moving. But it can make a noise even at the slightest crawl.. But not when I'm completely still.

Hopefully this rules out the timing chain because if it was the timing chain then it would still make noise if I was standing still yeah?

maco65 · 03-12-2003, 19:50

I've had a similar problem in one of my Taxi's, like other above have said it could be your pads, but also check that one of your wheel bearing hasn't seized! If it is the bearing, you will need to change the suspension upright.

Good luck and hope it's only the pads.

Alex

Jamie · 03-12-2003, 19:53

yup, it doesn't take long to rip your wheel off.. just take a quick peak.. have you noticed a decrease in your braking ability?

When my brakes were gone.. I flinched everytime I heard the noise.. it sounds really bad.

it was worse at a slower pace for me.

antigravity · 03-12-2003, 20:16

It makes a very similar sound to when the pads are down to the metal and you try and break...

Only problem is, it makes that sound when I don't press the brakes! What funny is, it seems to happen more often than not when I have the steering wheel pointed left..

ah, i hate cars