Why is my Ford escort making a humming and grinding noise

check fluid in front diff. the check the wheel bearings

you're on the right track. it sounds like the right wheel bearing is causing the noise.

I hate to say it, but it sounds like something in the differential - transmission. The part about the noise and coasting fits a differential bearing noise. Making turns could put extra load on the bearings and gears in the transmission.

Power on the AC. Look for the problem.

If this noise is only while moving, I found a possible solution some time back. On the right side of this car (if I remember right) mounted on the subframe, there is a carrier bearing on that axle shaft. On this particular car, the bearing was still good but the u-shaped bracket it sits in was broken which allowed for humming and vibration. There was also a bad motor mount which also created a "humming" (I guess you could call it) and that was there while the car was stopped and running. The "humming" would change with the rpms. I hope this has helped to pin point your problem. Please let me know how this worked out for you or if there's anything else I can help you with. Thanks and good luck!

when turning left vehicle distributes weight to right front wheel bearing causing load. since u describe a noise in right front while driving straight i would suspect failed right front wheel bearing. see if your noise changes/goes away while turning right that should tell u 4 sure

Sounds like a wheel bearing going.

Does the noise change pitch when you weave the wheel back and forth at 25. If yes you need bearings. I think they are pressed in on focus

Most likely it's a wheel bearing going out.., If you turn to the right, or the left when driving the noise will change pitch. Been there done that.....

Sounds like a bad motor mount.