1991 Mercury Topaz Grinding like noise

1991 MERCURY TOPAZ
80,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DJANOWSKI775
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I have a grinding like noise in the front of my car when I drive it. Doesnt happen when I am stopped. Sometimes it happens when I am turning but not much,It seems to come and go. Sometimes its worse than other times. I checked the auto trans fluid to see if it might be low and it was fine. I dont know if its the axle or the trans. I know its in the drivetrain. Sometimes it seems like its more on the right but I could be wrong. No leaks underneath, thought it might be like a plastic piece underneath like hitting the wheel, but I cant see anything. I dont have a picture of anything because I dont see anything wrong. Oh and it doesnt do it when put into gear or when I start the car. I am thinking its the bearings or the engine mounts failed. But I looked at the engine and couldnt you tell if they have failed? I am most likely thinking its the bearings since the breaks are fine and it doesnt just do it when the breaks are applied, the breaks have no affect on it. let me know what you think.
Aug 3, 2009 at 9:57 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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If it only does it while you are moving it could very well be the wheel bearing/bearings.Does the noise go away on a turn? if so which way doe sthe noise go away, left or right?
Aug 3, 2009 at 8:35 PM
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DJANOWSKI775
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It does go away when I turn right I think
Aug 3, 2009 at 10:05 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Then it could very well be the right front wheel bearing.Try lifting and supporting the vehicle and see if the wheel feels "loose" when you shake it.Even if it feels tight, the bearing may be bad
Aug 4, 2009 at 10:15 AM
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DJANOWSKI775
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Ya I will have my dad take a look at it. He is a mechanic. Thanks! I figured it was that. Is it ok to drive on for awhile at low speeds?
Aug 4, 2009 at 10:25 AM