3e makes noise at 120km/h +

[ssl]

hey everyone, im new here. before ppl start saying anything, i know the 3e isn't made for driving the way i'd like to.

anyway, here's my problem. first i work 2 jobs and im always late for work at nite, so when i hit 120 on the highway and i hear this sort of a rubbing/grinding noise, more rubbing, and i think my engines gonna blow, it bothers me.

i've had this car for almost 2 months now. i work at a shop during the day, i'm looking into getting my apprenticeship once i clear some other issues, but i dont know all that much, i can do alot more now than i used to though. i thought the noise might have been a warped rotor, but i changed my pads and rotor to no success. im not entirely sure its the engine though, i think it could be something else, but not sure what. i have new plugs and wires in it, i've put injector cleaner through it and what not. the engine has 250k on it. i also changed the rad cuz the old one was done and the temp gauge was high, its still high, not sure if thats relevant.

so im not exactly sure what it is though. if anyone has any ideas it would be nice. i have the 3e from my 93 auto terc (crashed it...) that i can put in it, it has 120k on it, cept it started being a pig on gas near the end of the car, so im weary of putting it in, but that was probly just tune-up related....everytime i asked my boss about it, he'd tell me take my foot off the gas, but i think i drove the car long enough to be able to tell when its using alot more gas then usual

anyway, im babbling now methinks, but i could use some help figuring how to get rid of the noise, like i said, it kicks in at 120 as kind an on/off noise and steadies out as u go faster, but its loud. i dont drive it like that though, too worried its gonna blow on me. its winter here in canada, and if i have to swap it with my old one, id like to wait till spring


and yes i know i could swap a 5e or 4e, I KNOW, but i have a 92dx for that and a 4e being overhauled, this thing is gonna be my winter beater when the project is done, i just want it to run good, i have anough fun on the icy roads as it is.

sorry for the long post, thnx guys

[NickR]

Next time it happens, put the clutch down and release the gas, quickly, so the rpm drops, but the speed stays the same. Does the noise stop? If so, it's the engine (especially if you get the same noise at high rpm in a lower gear). If the noise continues until the speed drops, it's not the engine, and is probably the wheel bearings (especially if it gets louder or softer when you turn).

[ssl]

the noise stays if i do that, and it doesnt do it in lower gears at high rpm, main reason why im not sure its the engine. its specifically at that speed though, i thought maybe wheel bearings, but i figured that might have a more distinct noise, deal with enough of them at the shop. i've already got new breaks though. i could use the bearings of my other car, i dont have much cash for anything since its all invested in my other car. thxn for the help though, i will make that my next try.

i tried to ask my boss about it, since he knows more than i do, i'm just kinda yes sir no sir there, gimme a part i change it, but i dont know much. he just tells me to lay off the gas

[Tercel GTS]

There is a sound these cars make at higher rpm's as if it settled into a powerband or something, even though it's just an 83hp powerband it still makes a sound difference. I noticed mine at 80+mph though(130+km).
Try rotating the tires and see if you get a front wheel shake.

[ShowCarTercel]

Originally Posted by NickR

Next time it happens, put the clutch down and release the gas, quickly, so the rpm drops, but the speed stays the same. Does the noise stop? If so, it's the engine (especially if you get the same noise at high rpm in a lower gear). If the noise continues until the speed drops, it's not the engine, and is probably the wheel bearings (especially if it gets louder or softer when you turn).

I did this test, my wheel bearings are done or my studded winter tires are just that LOUD!

[ssl]

well, had it up on the lift the other day at the shop changing my oil. checked the wheel bearings...they're fine...turned the wheels a little while i was standing under the car.....passenger side drive shaft bearing....

so ima fix that next week, doesnt look too hard to do. and i need to fix the drivers side front brake caliper, wish it was all on one side, but oh well