1998 Ford Escort Consumer Discussions

Ford Escort Engine Issues

1998 Escort ZX2 Hot - timing belt

Written by: mcwllw on Apr 06, 2009 08:56 AM

I had the tensioner break on the serpentine belt and the timing belt broke at the same time (is that possible? ). I had it towed to the Ford dealership, all they came up with was the tensioner and serpentine, at an astronomical price to replace. So I took it to another mechanic (ASE certified) and he told me the dealership mis-diagnosed the car. He said the timing belt ... Read More...

Ford Escort ZX2

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [click23]

Written by: billwruck on Dec 15, 2008 02:55 PM

Hi Robert. This is an old thread I know, but allow me to add my $00.02 worth.Last spring my '01 ZX2 with, at that time <70,000 miles developed an intermittent screeeching/squealing sound similiar to a bad belt/pulley/or bearing. It was due for a timing belt change so I took it in to a trusted local shop who installed a new timimg belt, tensioner and idler pulleys. ... Read More...

Ford Escort Electrical Problems

Escort door problems!

Written by: chrisg88 on May 02, 2008 06:10 AM

Hi, thanks before hand to whoever is reading! Recently had a smash on my, 1.4 ford escort lx (1997). The doors were destroyed, when the insurance came through, i bought another 1.6 ford escort zetec (ghia 1998. I decided to change the doors, when realizing they where electric windows/mirror central locking was what i already had!, didnt have the other 2 I first ... Read More...

Escort Wagon Tire/Wheel Questions

hey guys

Written by: dwayneb1 on Jan 14, 2008 02:46 PM

i am looking for a cv joint for my 1998 ford escort lx sedan do you guys think you guys can help me out Read More...

Ford Escort ZX2

1998 zx2 - misfire cylinder number 1 and 4

Written by: gutu on Oct 24, 2007 10:24 AM

I have a 1998 FORD ESCORT ZX2 and I have problem with light "check engine sun". I already changed the spark-plug, ignition wires and ignition coil........... and the light is still there, sometime flashing for a time (1-2 min) and stop flashing (but the light is still there) and sometime is off and reappear after some time. I make 31 mile on galon and I don't know ... Read More...

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [click23]

Written by: ibanezshred on Jun 27, 2007 08:54 AM

Thanks for posting the information about the crankcase breather filter. I had the exact problems with my ZX2 as Chezelle and i got my replacement part at a local Ford dealer. I installed the part before i left the lot and drove the car for at least 45 minutes in city and highway conditions and the noise was GONE! it took a year to find the cause, and it was fixed with a ... Read More...

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [dan855n]

Written by: decemberoutlaw on Aug 12, 2007 02:46 PM

yea i have a 99 and when ever im idleing my car squeeks at first i thought it was my clutch plate but now im pretty sure its my alternator belt has any one esle had this problem of a drastc squeking (not a squeel but a squeek) when your idleing Read More...

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [osurlosers]

Written by: dan855n on Aug 11, 2007 06:08 PM

I have the exact same zx2 2001 and the same squeak and bill from ford for the same tensioner and belt. I found when I removed the breather, the squeak left. I will cancel my appt monday for replacement of timing belt and save some money ... I hit the breather with a hammer and the filter was clogged at the input from the air filter.. Thanks all your message confirmed that ... Read More...

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [click23]

Written by: jeever on Mar 26, 2007 09:43 PM

Robert, I also wanted to thank you for your post. We have a '98 ZX2 that we really like. We took it to two dealers in the Bay Area and to a private mechanic; all three were coming up with bogus repair costs of over a $1000. None of it made sense; we got tired of the screeching and stopped driving the car for over half a year. I stumbled into your post last week, and followed ... Read More...

Re: 1998 Ford Escort ZX 2 Squeal/Screech [click23]

Written by: osurlosers on Feb 24, 2007 08:40 PM

Click23, I just wanted to say thanks for the information about the crankcase breather filter! My 2001 ZX2 also developed this squeal. It sounded like the noise was coming from the drive belt, so I had a shop replace the belt and auto-tensioner...and it didn't fix the sound. I was on the verge of having the timing belt replaced, but decided to google it instead. Google ... Read More...