1997 Mercury Cougar front end noise

JARED11378

MEMBER
1997 MERCURY COUGAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
83,000 MILES

On my Cougar it has started to make a grinding noise in the front end that is getting worse. I think it might be the wheel bearings since this problem mostly occurs at low speeds while turning. It will make the noise sometimes while driving at low speeds on flat surfaces. It also makes one last grinding noise as I exit the car and the weight is off the suspension. Do you have any idea what this could be? How can I check? Thanks in advance.

4 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Do you here the noise after you stop and if you turn wheel left and right
if so check for dry ball joint and or tie rod ends
most likely ball joint
also jack tire and check bearing check brakes too

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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 AT 6:40 AM

JARED11378

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Youre right about hearing the noise sometimes after i'm stopped and when I turn the wheels left and right but, I just had the ball joints replaced a year ago. I didnt think it was them but I know how that goes. The tie rods are a new one I didnt think they would do that. Thank You

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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 AT 9:09 AM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Some of the replacement ball joints and tie rod end comes with a grease fitting check if you have any on yours and if so grease them

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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 AT 12:51 PM

JARED11378

MEMBER
3 POSTS

You were right. I greased the ball joints and tie rod ends and the noise got way better. I only had grease fitting on one ball joint the other one must be OEM. How do those last so long without grease zerks in them? Thanks for your advice.

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Thursday, May 1st, 2008 AT 10:28 AM