ESCORT FRONT END KNOCK/CLICK/CREAKING

[trink]

hi, can anyone help with a problem i'm having.

There is a clicking/creaking noise coming from the front (possibly offside) when either depressing the clutch pedal after being in gear or releasing the accelerator suddenly whilst in gear or even occasionally on acceleration.It is also present in reverse. Another point to mention is that it can also be heard intermittently when on a bunpy road or when travellingover speed bumps. Usually on the down side of the speed bump. At times it can be more like a ratchet noise (i.e. a series of clicks/clunks) It is becoming another annoyance. Looking on other threads there seems to be a magnitude of things to change. (suspension/driveshaft/wishbones/etc) none of which have helped others with similar problems. . I want to avoid the trial and error route so was wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks

Andy

 

[Glassman]

Have you checked the rollbar and wishbone bushes? These tend to fail quite regular on most Fords

 

[Spark123]

I agree, on my last modeo the rollbar ball joints had dried out making a noise like you say.

 

[^neo^]

squirt with wd-40 as long as they're not too worn

 

[trink]

Hi, i've been to see a mechanic who thinks its the downpipe/manifold connection on the exhaust but i'm not convince that could make that amount of noise, its very loud and is getting slightly worse. Anyone have any more info thay'd like to share? Thanks Andy

 

[jonnyfishing]

Andy

To be honest,it's impossible to diagnose a noise problem here,people can only guess at what the sound is like and where it's from on a car from
someone elses description.I don't think it will be the exhaust manifold,you would be able to hear it with the engine running and the car stood still.Your best bet is to take it for a second and probably a third opinion.

 

[meldrew's_mate]

It's always hard to try to guess without the benefit of a first hand impression. As you're on this site I assume you don't mind getting your hands dirty.

First ask yourself the following types of question:-
When does the fault occur? When DOESN'T it occur?
If it were one of the suggested faults how can one most easily confirm or eliminate it's possibility?

In this case I suggest getting out the pry-bar and checking the balljoints and rubber mounts for signs of excessive wear. Compare each with it's opposite if you're unsure, even with a mate's car if you need to.

My own guess, and I can only guess from here, is a possibility your frontside (LHS as you view it) engine mount may be collapsed, it's easy to reach at the top, so easy to change if necessary. Engine rocking could be the noise you are describing, and it will occur only when the engine tries to accelerate the car, the car tries to accelerate the engine, and maybe if you rev the engine in neutral - but NOT at steady speeds.

Remember, there may be several less than perfect components in your car, only ONE of them is the cause of your symptoms. It can be expensive to put right each fault you find until the symptom goes away!

 

[redrunner]

only just seen your post on here so you may have sorted it allready, i had the same noise on my 94 escort , first noticed it on letting clutch out to take up drive , then it started when taking up drive for reverse/ then it went on to do it as you say.
found in the end it was coming from the catalitic ?converter/ seemed to be inside , anyway i fixed a strap across to the body to take a bit of slack up , and no more problems. hope this helps. r.r.