1995 Ford Escort with 97k miles. In the past few months, I've
developed a road noise condition that I can't figure out.
The noise sounds like i have a flat tire or really hard rubber tires,
like mud tires on a 4x4. The thing is, the noise is most prevelant at
around 45 to 50 mph, and then gets quieter. I really can't tell if its
coming from the front or rear of the car, i just know that it gets to a
point where the vibration is rattling the interior.
The most interesting thing is that when I am bearing left at those
speeds, the noise completely goes away, more so than when it gets
quieter at 60. So to me that rules out any connections that don't bear
any weight, like universal joints, etc...
I'm thinking about the other pieces that could be a culprit and wanted
to know if anyone else experienced this. I think I've narrowed it down
to:
Tires
Wheel bearings
Driveaxle/CV Joints
Shocks/Struts
Shocks/struts are original. They still feel pretty good when pushing
down on the front end. Bounces 2 times tops and stops.
The CV joints could probably use some attention. The inner CV boots on
both legs have a leak, because I can see the grease in a perfect line
sprayed up onto the bottom of the engine.
The wheel bearings are sealed and can't be repacked. Is the best test
for wheel bearings still to grab the top and bottom of the tire and
check for play?
I've rotated the tires but haven't balanced them since about 6k miles.
That didn't help/hurt the noise. They are down to about 4mm in tread
depth, and no inconsistent wear on the outsides or in the middle.
Noise occurs on all road types/conditions.
Any help is appreciated.
developed a road noise condition that I can't figure out.
The noise sounds like i have a flat tire or really hard rubber tires,
like mud tires on a 4x4. The thing is, the noise is most prevelant at
around 45 to 50 mph, and then gets quieter. I really can't tell if its
coming from the front or rear of the car, i just know that it gets to a
point where the vibration is rattling the interior.
The most interesting thing is that when I am bearing left at those
speeds, the noise completely goes away, more so than when it gets
quieter at 60. So to me that rules out any connections that don't bear
any weight, like universal joints, etc...
I'm thinking about the other pieces that could be a culprit and wanted
to know if anyone else experienced this. I think I've narrowed it down
to:
Tires
Wheel bearings
Driveaxle/CV Joints
Shocks/Struts
Shocks/struts are original. They still feel pretty good when pushing
down on the front end. Bounces 2 times tops and stops.
The CV joints could probably use some attention. The inner CV boots on
both legs have a leak, because I can see the grease in a perfect line
sprayed up onto the bottom of the engine.
The wheel bearings are sealed and can't be repacked. Is the best test
for wheel bearings still to grab the top and bottom of the tire and
check for play?
I've rotated the tires but haven't balanced them since about 6k miles.
That didn't help/hurt the noise. They are down to about 4mm in tread
depth, and no inconsistent wear on the outsides or in the middle.
Noise occurs on all road types/conditions.
Any help is appreciated.