1. The car makes a grinding noise, like a pencil in a pencil sharpener or a card in spokes when I go above 40mph. The only thing is it's not consistant. If you think of the accelerater peddle like a scale of 0%-100%, then after 40mph it makes the noise between 0%-10% then runs smoth from 10%-20%, then grinds at 20%-30%, then after that it makes no noise no matter how far I push the accelerater down. It only does it above 40mph, and almost litterally the grinding shuts off when it drops below 40mph. The sound appears to be comming from the engine and I can feel a vibration the foot pedal.
2. The car makes a rattling noise occassionally, when initially accelerating, like metal smacking but in a rattling manor. If I allow the car to idle in park and rev the engine to approx. 3000/rpms then in makes the noise continuesly (but only in park or nutral) Also on occasions I hear the noise when turning the wheel at slow speeds. I've looked under the hood, and it seems like the noise is either comming from behind the engine, or under it. I do not hear the noise when
I am driving unless, it is related to issue one, but they seem like seperate noises.
3. The last thing, I believe I may know, but just to be sure. The vehicle seems like it is struggling to stay alive when idle or stopped at at light/sign. It's worse in park or nutral, but not as bad in drive. It also tends to shake (the whole car) when I am stopped, unless I put it in park or nutral at a light/sign. (This I have no clue)- Beyond that the accelerator seems to stick when initially engaging then surges forward like it recieved alot of power, and this happens not matter if I ease my foot onto the pedal or not. Also when I make a stop it does fine all the way till I am almost compltly stopped, then it almost seems like the tires lock, but it jerks foward everytime (only at complete stops, not slowing down).
Some vehicle info-
1991 Ford Excort 1.9L wagon.
65k Odometer (but turns over at 100k so could be 165k)
So far we've changed the oil, flushed the radiator, changed the air filter, and changed the fuel pump. We tried changing the CV joints, only to pull them off and find them in new condition. Also, not pertinent, we have rotated the tires.
Not sure what it is, I have heard a ton of suggestions, none being consistent. I also took it to AutoZone for a free diagnostic, and he said it read fine. I am not eager to jump to a mechanic, just to pay a ton only to figure out the problem. I don't mind going to one, but would like to know the problem first, so I know what to expect. Also, if it's a few small things it would be great to just take care of them myself. ThanksI am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?You said if you %26quot;allow the car to idle in park and rev the engine to approximately 3000 rpms then it makes the noise continuously.%26quot; That is a very revealing clue which isolates the grinding noise to a part which is moving while the car is stationary and not in motion. The first things I would suspect are the a/c clutch bearing, the alternator bearing, or the transaxle/transmission main shaft (aka input shaft) bearing. But since you also said that you %26quot;can feel a vibration [in] the foot pedal%26quot; and that %26quot;the noise is either coming from behind the engine or under it,%26quot; I wouldn't bet a ham sandwich that the grinding/rattling noise is coming from the a/c clutch bearing or the alternator bearing. That makes the transaxle/transmission main shaft bearing my #1 suspect. But regardless of where the grinding noise is coming from, if the noise is continuous at 3000 rpm while in Park as you say, then it would be a simple matter to trace and identify using a mechanics stethoscope or a listening rod.I am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?extremely good description of the problem. i tend to think u have a clogged exaust system/ catalitic converter.I am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?Alot of mechanics will give you a free estimate and check out your car for free. make some calls and find out who can do this for you.I am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?Problem 1 is definitely a wheel bearing.
Problem 2 sounds like an exhaust rattle, could even be the converter broke apart and pieces are in there, or even some of that heat insulator they put on at the factory is coming loose.
Problem 3 could be a few things, a tune up may fix it, maybe try some fuel injector cleaner too, thats where I would start.I am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?I would think that the wheeI bearings would have been checked when the cv joints were replaced.
I think you need to inspect the motor/transmission mounts. If they are worn the engine/transaxle assembly will shift and make for weird noises and amplify small vibrations into loud ugly ones. It also allows the assembly to shift under cornering.
The surging problem sounds like a vacuum leak.I am writing this because I have an issue with my car, and so far everyone I ask gives a different answer?1. idk
2.idk
3. i know, escorts are knwon to have rough idles, try cleaning the IAC valve
