Re: '88 325; howling sound from front end,..


"cosmo" <dfsdf@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:hs5ig3ln0vui2gr263t3lm5i88pmo3ce42@xxxxxxxxxx
On Sat, 6 Oct 2007 17:42:38 -0700, "Floyd Rogers"
<fbloogyuds@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

"cosmo" <dfsdf@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote
Hi, I just bought a 1988 325 automatic with 144k miles which has a
loud howling sound coming from the front end of the car somewhere. I
can't tell which side. It's independent of the engine rpm but
consistent with the road speed. It's noticable above 10mph. It sounds
like a manual transmission which is being wound up too high and should
be shifted into another gear. I would say wheel bearing but it sounds
more like an exhaust note or giant fan motor or something. You can't
really tell anything with the window down. Any ideas? Anyone done this
repair themselves? Thanks for your time.

Stuck fan clutch? Check when motor is cold; if turning, has failed.
Plugged catalytic converter (would have poor acceleration and power)?

FloydR


Ok, I started the car cold. The radiator fan turns right away. If I
blip the throttle by hand it changes speed with the engine revs. You
are saying this is abnormal? I don't get the impression it's one of
those fans that turns itself on after the engine has been turned off
on hot days. Could this be what's making all that racket?
Also, unrelated to the fan there's a slight tapping sound like lifter
noise from the engine that goes away after it's warmed up. Thanks for
your imput.


The ticking is okay. The fan is okay.

You MUST determine that the noise comes from the car moving or not. If the car must be moving to hear the noise, it is NOT the engine making it. If the noise does not come from the vehicle moving, then it can be the aux fans associated with the air conditioner or other system. Your first post has me dialed in on front brakes or a failed wheel bearing. Of those two, brakes where my bet is placed.





.

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