98' Contour Problem

[BKlounge]

Hi, recently i got a 1998 Ford Contour GL with the 2.5L V6 Duratec engine from my dad. After a few days of driving, i noticed that when i accelerate "hard" down the highway, my car will start shaking, and then start making a grinding/vibrating type noise. One day i felt vibrations through the gas pedal, i have no idea what the problem is and was hoping you guys would be able to diagnose it for me.


When i accelerate lightly i seem to have no problems with it.

[theoldwizard]

Is it a paved drive or gravel ?

Depending how fast you are going, it could be wheel out of balance, front end alignment or motor mounts. I'm leaning toward the last because it only occurs under hard acceleration.

[BKlounge]

Paved drive (highway)

Thanks much for the help, i was worried it would be something serious that would cost me lots of money.


Speaking of which, how much would it cost (approx, on avg) to get this fixed up, provided one of those is the problem?

[theoldwizard]

Wheel balancing is about $5-10/wheel.

Front end alignment $50-100, but it is likely to uncover more "issues", especially on a 10 year old car. These could run $100-1000 depending on what they find is in need of repair and how much you do yourself.

Motor mounts are about $100, plus labor.

The first 2 are "normal maintenance" items that should be done on a regular basis. Don't waste money on motor mounts until a knowledgeable mechanics says you need them.

[BKlounge]

Thanks for the help

I should add that sometimes it makes the noise when i accelerate, and then let off the gas/accelerate, let off the gas, and coast down a hill. I don't know if this makes any difference in your diagnosis, but I thought i'd tell you anyways.