Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting low level rumbling noise, car feels gritty

Have a 98 Mercury Mystique LS, auto, V-6, with 83,000 miles. The car seems to have developed a low rumbling noise coming from the right side. The car also feels gritty when stepping on the accelerator. Thought it might be a worn tire but seems to have enough tread left on the front right side. The brake pads are still very thick, so don't think it's the brakes.

At idle, the engine sounds 'normal'- like it always has been. just when traveling, the engine has a low noise.

Will take it into mechanic soon. wanted your thoughts. Thanks.

Also no CEL.

Depending on the noise, I'd guess at possible exhaust leak or worn CV joints/wheel bearing if it's coming from the front. If the noise fluctuates when you pass over a slight dip in the road or when going around corners, it's most likely related to the front drive system. I've had this slight rumble before and it was hard to isolate until it got worse and I could tell which side it was coming from. Turned out to be wheel bearings once, and CV joint/axle another time on the other side. Front wheel bearings are generally about $200 or so per side to do at a shop. CV joint & axle is about the same labor but figure another $90 or so for the parts. Rears should be under $100 if the noise is coming from the back. Exhaust leaks are usually $20 worth of welding unless you need a new muffler or pipes.

If one side is bad, would be it safe to say other side will go bad soon too?

Short answer: Not necessarily (spelling?)



Long answer : One might be more worn than the other side. But they're both (presumably) about the same age, so will have similar levels of wear and tear. So on that logic, the "good" one may fail sonneish. I personally wouldn;t rush to replace the "good" one if it wasn't damaged. I'd wait. Spead the expense apart from anything.....

If the noise isn't too loud, it may also just be the seal, not the whole thing that needs replacing (had a Ford Laser (=US escort) and the boot went on one side, but the whole CV was gone on the other. Only seal needed replacing on one side, whole thing on the other)

If noise increases on left hand turns and decreases on right hand curves then it would be right front wheel bearing noise, usually described as groaning/howling. They can be replaced separately. Usually about 2hrs labor + bearing ($50).