Thanks for all replies, it is most likely brake related. Friend just
told me he has heard my brakes and thought I knew about it. Unless
the sound of the brake wear indicator has changed between my first two
sets or my hearing is shot, I don't hear that characteristic screech
on (forward) braking, so I like the rock theory.

I just gunned the engine in park and didn't notice the noise at all --
the problem is motion related.

I did notice something interesting: the engine sputters at 4,500 RPM
and doesn't go beyond that, like 1-1,500 RPM short of red line. Did
an engine governor kick in or do I have yet another problem with the
car?

On Apr 5, 9:30 am, delbert brecht <halfs...@roadrunner.com> wrote:
> Seth4/5/08 9:11pUKJj.344339$r03.166...@fe10.news.easynews.com
>
>
>
> > "minnow" <min...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >news:576179fc-34bc-4c88-a2a8-53d9c6b12ccd@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> >> I have over 85 K miles on my 98 V6 sedan. A few weeks ago it started
> >> making two noises -- don't know if they are related.
>
> >> Driving forward, the engine makes a mechanical noise that sounds to me
> >> like scissors opening and closing; sharpening a chef's knife against a
> >> sharpening rod; a steam radiator valve letting off steam
> >> intermittently; or someone shushing, shhh, shhh, shhh. The noise
> >> stops at idle and seems to pick up in rhythm as I drive faster.
>
> > Sounds like the brakes as opposed to the engine. If you rev the engine
> > while in Park and not moving does it happen? If it only happens with motion
> > I would rule the engine out.
>
> >> Related or not? I hear a high pitched "eeeeeeeeeee" sound when I go
> >> into reverse. Can't pinpoint the location.
>
> > Lots of cars do that.
>
> Small rocks trapped between the rotor and the sheet metal splash shield on
> the disk brakes will make this sound. The noise is different when backing up
> than going forward. Noise stops when you stop and changes frequency as you
> drive faster. One day it will just go away when the rock wears off enough to
> fall out. Sometimes the built in wear indicators on Hondas make a similar
> noise. Pull your tires and check the pads if you are concerned.
> --
> Pickleman
> halfs...@roadyourpantsrunner.com
> Please remove "yourpants" to reply
> 1998 Civic HX MT with 142K
> 2000 CRV EX MT with 98K