2000 Ford Taurus Am I crazy?

63N3515

MEMBER
2000 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
31,888 MILES

My grandmother took care of this car as well as she did her kids, but it hasn't been driven through the winter. I just got it registered/insured into my name, and have been driving it around. I replaced the tranny fluid, filled the tires, and have found no other serious problems. The only thing is that when I accelerate I hear a loud whirring noise coming from the front of the car (even level of sound from drivers side and passengers). My mom thought that the transmission at first, but when I drive the RPMs switch over at the right times. Since the transmission is at the very front of the car the front tires are 40PSI while the back are 25PSI. Are the tires what I'm hearing? Are they slightly flat or do I need to replace them? What do you think I'm hearing?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi:
It could be a few things. Does the sound change on turns? Are the tires worn evenly or are they feathered? Also, 40 PSI is a good bit of air for a passanger tire. In fact, it may be over the manufacturers recommendation. Some max at 35, others at 44. Also, you should refer to the manual for tire pressure, but I found tires do well when they are at 35 PSI.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 7:21 PM

63N3515

MEMBER
1 POST

Hi,
The sound doesn't change drastically enough for me to notice if it does or not, so I'm afraid I don't know. Also, I read through the tire section in my car manual and it doesn't say anything about my tires except to never exceed 45PSI. Unfortunately I don't know about the feathering or wearing on the tires. My dad taught me about cars but not quite everything I needed/wanted to know. I'm considering just going and getting them replaced since they were sitting on the car through the winter and it wasn't driven around.

Thanks a lot though.

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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 AT 7:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi:
I recommend reducing the front tires to around 32PSI and raise the rears to the same. Also, as far as feathering, it's really to check. Lightly rub your hand over the tread. If they are feathered or chopped, you will feel an uneveness rather than a smooth tread.

Let me know. Also, don't be afraid to ask me questions if need help with something.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 AT 9:23 PM