problem #1:
ok... i've had my mystique for about a year now, and it has a sound that is getting progressively worse. there is so much clattering from the engine that it pretty much sounds like a diesel from under the hood. the exhaust note is as it should be, so its not dieseling in the traditional sense, it just makes a lot of noise. anybody have any idea why this is? it sounds like a bunch of lifter noise, but the car still runs fine for the most part. i have also noticed that it sometimes seems a little slow on the lower end of the tach, where it is usually stronger then when this occurs. its a zetec with 100,000 miles on it.
problem #2:
i'm really not sure what i did to the front end of my car, but i don't think its good. right now, both tires are angled in as if to look like they are flat. they are both at 32 psi. when i take corners, i get the sidewall screech. before i take it somewhere or disassemble the front end of my car, i would like to know if anyone has any experience with this or any ideas. i have the stock 14 inch wheels with really crappy tires. i have also noticed that it takes longer to stop, but this could also be due to my warped rotors. my guesses are:
a) worn out or cracked strut(s)
b) knocked it way out of alignment
c) cv joints, though there is no noticable clicking or other bearing noise
d) really f#$*ed the whole thing up and should sell it asap.
the car is worth like 2500. i'm not putting $1000 in to fix it.
