Strange Noise Driving at 55MPH

[lucydale]

I have a Lincoln Mark VIII. When I drive between 55 and 60 MPH I have this strange noise that sounds like I am driving on a grooved road. It goes away after 60MPH and also will stop if I let up on the gas. I have been told that the front end is out of allignment and my tires are out of balance but before I go and have all this done could it be the transmission or the rear bearings making the noise.

 

[MonsterMark]

I'll toss a guess that maybe a u-joint is the culprit.

 

[driller]

The Mark VIII chassis is quite sensitive to rotational NVH issues. From the description it appears to be a possible u-joint or bearing in the driveline, but I would suspect a rear wheel bearing as well. If it really progresses, the rear will seem 'loose' and shift right and left like a fishtail. Get it on a rack for a thorough investigation. :wrench

 

[Roadboss]

My car made a rumbling type noise, and I found it was caused by a bad front wheel bearing. I was a little suprised that this problem gave off this kind of condition as it kinda felt like I was driving with winter snow chains on. I expected more of a sqeal or grinding noise. When changed out you could free spin the bearing and not hear a thing wrong.

 

[fossten]

I have a Lincoln Mark VIII. When I drive between 55 and 60 MPH I have this strange noise that sounds like I am driving on a grooved road. It goes away after 60MPH and also will stop if I let up on the gas. I have been told that the front end is out of allignment and my tires are out of balance but before I go and have all this done could it be the transmission or the rear bearings making the noise.

This has been mentioned before and I think the most common response was "bad torque converter."