Grinding Noise under hood while Idling, no brakes

[Lafferty]

Hey guys, I figure if I try to get some more minds and experience in on my problems. Problem one is a grinding noise under the hood of my 93 Lifted Explorer. I know it needs a quart or two of oil. An oil change is today's adventure.
Problem two: had no brakes, emergency or otherwise. I need to check a medium size brake fluid leak in the front passenger caliper and put new pads on.
The brake problem I think has fixed itself because I changed the pads and shoes on everything except the leaking caliper.
The grinding noise is what worries me. I hope its just low oil but I want some advice. The lifted explorer did take a 5 foot jump the blew out the front passenger spindle and made driving the truck impossible. I have a new spindle on and it rolls great but when the engine starts up there is a continuous grinding noise. Not too high pitch but not very low pitch.

 

[arco777]

Check that the cooling fan isn't rubbing the radiator shroud. Another possibility is power steering pump/box damage internally.

Check with a mechanic's stethoscope for the source of the noise.

 

[Lafferty]

sorry im a home mechanic, kinda new to this, sorta. A mechanic's stethoscope? and Im going to try to look more today, the house is getting bombed for a bug infestation so Im stuck outside anyways. Thanks for the help. Brakes are fixed except for a bad right caliper and the e-brake works now so its good.

 

[arco777]

A mechanic's stethoscope is just like a doctor's one, only it has a long shaft on it that you touch to different points in your motor. You touch it on something like the valve cover or block, and with the earbuds in your ears you'll hear the noise directly. They're pretty cheap, should be under $10.

 

[Lafferty]

Ok, thanks. And I dont think the noise is fan related. When I did an oil change the majority of the noise dissipated. The engine is still running rough but it needs new wires and plugs. Thats the next project after I replace the bad caliper.