Drumming noise

Q My 65-plate Ford Fiesta 1.0 Zetec Ecoboost with approximately 13k miles is making a droning/lowpitched drumming noise commensurate with road speed. I have swapped the wheels front to back, had the toe-in checked and adjusted, and inspected the wheel bearings as best I can, but can’t track the source of the noise. I don’t think it is the Conti Premium Contact2 tyres, and National Tyre Services confirm this. David Herbert

A As you have moved the wheels around without any effect, it would appear not to be tyre noise, which would normally alter when moving the position of the wheels. However, it would be worth checking the tyre pressures to ensure the tyres are inflated to the optimum setting. There is a choice of possible tyre sizes on your Fiesta and the pressures vary: 175/64x14 tyres should be set to 2.1 Bar (30psi), while 205/40x17 tyres need to be set to 2.5 Bar (36psi). The details should be in your handbook.

Although you say you’ve checked the wheel bearings, this would be the most likely cause of your problem. Depending on the speed at which the noise first becomes apparent, it is not always possible to discern a problem with a bearing by simply spinning them by hand. Having said that it would be unusual (but not unknown) for a wheel bearing to have failed at such a low mileage. If you can find an empty section of road you may be able to confirm or eliminate the bearings by steering harshly to the left and right – the noise should alter as the weight of the vehicle is shifted from side to side. However, do be cautious of any other traffic.

Another possibility is the fuel pump in the tank. Many Ecoboost owners have expressed concern over the loud droning noise emitted from the fuel pump.