Hi, I have a '93 Ford Escort that has started making a thumping noise whenever I coast. If I turn, break, or have my foot on the gas, the thumping noise will stop. Sometimes at higher speeds (45 mph and above) it will thump if I am only slightly pressing the gas.

The thumping sounds like it might be coming from the right front of the car, and since the rhythm changes with my speed, I think it may be coming from the tires.

I bought the car from my brother a few months ago at about 140k miles. I know he took pretty good care of it and the owner before him barely used it. (I'm not sure what mileage he got it at) Anyway, it just passed 150k miles and over the past 5k I've replaced the air filter, the crankcase breathing filter (might not have the right name on that), the PCV valve, a couple of hoses in the PCV system, the oil and oil filter, and the tires. I also just finished replacing the head gasket over the holidays, in the process replacing the valve cover gasket and the other bits in that area and cleaning the engine head and valve cover inside and out. I tried to clean the piston and valves too but didn't get very far with them. I plan to get a fuel additive in a couple of days to hopefully clear up the carbon buildup I've got on them.

While replacing the head gasket the front right tire was removed and left in the weather a couple of days. The rotor was pretty rusty when I put the tire back on but I was told that was normal, even when the tire is on, after a rain.

The noise didn't start until about 200 miles after everything was put back together from the head gasket.

That's everything that I can think of that might be remotely relevant. Obviously feel free to ask questions. Thanks.

 

I know this may sound silly, but is that RF wheel getting loose ?

 

I did check the tires when the noise first started, none of the lug nuts were loose enough to turn with my fingers.

 

If you suspect the RF tire switch it with one of the rear tires and see if the thumping moves.

 

I'll see if I can swap the tire to another position sometime this week. Possibly tomorrow.

 

I should have gone back and checked it with a wrench. It was really loose, below 20 foot-lbs I would guess, because the lug nuts were on backwards. Not my fault I swear!

Probably would be a good idea to check that they are put on right whenever something is done to the tires, I'll do that from now on. Thanks!

 

With some of the work being done out there today, you have to check everything because there are so many people out there that should never be left alone or even near a vehicle .

Please, as part of correcting that "(Loose Nut)" problem, check the wheel studs for any damage. If those studs have been damaged enough things can happen at 70 MPH without adding to it.