Ford Repair: noise, ford escort wagon, wheel bearings

Question
Hello

I have a 98 ford escort wagon automatic FWD

I noticed a noise when driving coming from the front of the car.

When driving backwards it doesn't make that noise.

It doesn't seem to be the brakes. I jacked each front wheel up and I could duplicate the noise if I turned the wheel forward. If I turned it backwards, I'd hear no noise.

any ideas?

Answer
Hi Mike,
It could be 1 of 3 things. I'll start with the cheapest.
It could be the outer wheel bearings, half shafts or transmition. If you have checked the brakes and they are OK, run it with the wheels jacked up and listen to where the noise is, if from outer side it is probably bearings if in center it's probably tranmition.
If you can't get under your car when it's running, take it to your mechanic and have him test it.

Jeff
AllExperts