1998 Mercury Sable grumbling noise

MFOSTER

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

I'm hearing a grumbling noise in the right side, front end of my car as I drive along. The ABS light has been on for a while now, before and after I replaced the front brake pads.

Any hints as to what the grumbling noise might be? In addition, I noticed that when I turn my wheel to the left the noise is silenced. Lastly, I know I 'm not imagining the noise because I can feel a "slight" vibration in my steering wheel. A vibration I wouldn't recognize if I wasn't driving the car before the noise started, the vibration is that little.

Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks, Mark

1 Reply

BRAVESTAR1

MECHANIC
234 POSTS

Most oftentimes, people neglect to change out the brake fluid. Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb water vapor. When it does this, and gets dirty it ruins the nice thing called the ABS pump.

There's a few things here that need to be done before going all nuts.
First clean out the sensor area, and have them checked to make sure they are working properly. (This requires a trip to the mechanic)
2nd have the Brake Fluid changed. It may be too late, in that the ABS pump has become damaged, and that vibration is what your hearing.

Finally check your tires. One, they could be out of balance, and two the alignment could be off. If you let it go, it not only gets worse and louder, but it also damages your tires.