low hum and vibration

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Apr 20, 2009 | 02:28 PM

Stevorama

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low hum and vibration

04 Escape V6 XLT FWD 85,000 miles

Anyone else experiencing low humming sound and slight vibration felt in steering wheel at idle in drive? Gets a little louder with AC on. Runs great, idle stays around 700, doesn't overheat. Just a little annoying.

I've already replaced IAC, plugs, upper intake gasket, all engine and tranny mounts. Planning on tranny flush soon.

I can deal with the noise and vibe, just hoping it doesn't get worse. Definitely was not there when I bought the Escape @ 50,000 miles. One mechanic told me it was normal considering the mileage.

Any suggestions/feedback?

Thanks.

Apr 20, 2009 | 10:26 PM

scott91370

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Burleson, Tx

Don't believe the mechanic about that. We have over 137,000 and it doesn't have any rattles, hums or vibrations. just the wind noise. Is it only at idle and in drive or does it do it in nuetral, reverse. And is it with the brakes on or not?

I was going to go with motor mounts, but you replaced them.

One other thing- air filter. I could see a dirty filter causeing some noise.

Apr 20, 2009 | 11:09 PM

sfcwoodret

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When was the last time you had the tranny flushed and serviced? I bet that will clear it up.

Apr 21, 2009 | 11:06 AM

Stevorama

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Thanks for the replies. Vibration is felt in steering wheel, while in drive or reverse, stopped, with foot on brake. Worse with AC running.

scott91370: Do you know how many motor/tranny mounts are there on a 2004 Escape? I replaced the top passenger hydraulic motor mount, two lower motor mounts, and one hydraulic tranny mount. That should be all of them. I'll check the air filter this week.

sfcwoodret: I plan on having the tranny flushed soon. I hope that helps.

Thanks again, I'll keep you posted...

Apr 21, 2009 | 12:04 PM

wptski

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From: Warren, MI

If it's worse with the AC running or more load on the belt, I'd look for something that in/on the belt system.

Apr 21, 2009 | 12:10 PM

Stevorama

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Yeah, I was wondering about the belt also. Is there an adjustable tensioner? I listened closely under the hood with engine and AC running, and didn't hear any unusual noises or notice any vibration.

Apr 21, 2009 | 01:06 PM

wptski

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From: Warren, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevorama

Yeah, I was wondering about the belt also. Is there an adjustable tensioner? I listened closely under the hood with engine and AC running, and didn't hear any unusual noises or notice any vibration.

On my '97 Ranger there was a self adjusting spring loaded tensioner but it must have a bearing. The belt itself can make a noise. Try using a short piece of garden hose held close to your ear and listen around. A engine stethoscope works nice for listening for noisey bearings, etc.