Grinding noise on right front

Tiny
SANDRA BUCKETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD FOCUS
  • 1.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
While driving over 30 MPH, right front end starts a grinding noise. It quits under 30 and when making right turns, smooth or sharp. Any ideas?
Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 2:16 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,742 POSTS
It's time for a brake system inspection. This can be done at almost any independent repair shop. You can check out this article:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

to see what is involved with the typical brake job.

Ford vehicles typically use brake rotors made from relatively soft metal to reduce noise, but that means that by the time you hear the grinding, the rotors are generally worn too far to be reused. There's a published legal limit as to how far a used rotor can be machined to during a normal brake job, and another specification for how much more it can wear after that. No professional will risk a lawsuit or his reputation by reusing a rotor that's beyond the legal limit. The good news is for quite some time now, new replacement rotors have been so inexpensive, it actually costs the shop, (and you), more to machine used rotors than to just install new ones.

A different type of noise can be caused by a noisy front wheel bearing assembly. They make a buzzing sound similar to an airplane engine. Your mechanic will be able to identify if that is the cause of the noise, and which bearing must be replaced.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 3:05 PM

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