Recently purchased a 96 SC400 with 72k on it.

After picking it up from the dealer, I thought the brakes needed to be replaced because I heard a scraping/swooshing noise. Took it to a shop, it needed brakes so I had them replaced. After driving home from the shop I realized that it wasn't the brakes (although they were due for replacement). Whenever you give the car gas, you can hear a swooshing/scraping noise. It also happens when you rev the engine.

What could it be?

 

Hopefully its not one of your tie rods, but at that mileage that shouldn't be your problem

 

I doubt its my tie rods. I am thinking its a belt- but I am still hoping its my brakes lol

 

Could it be that goofy-*** cooling fan SC400's have.

Sounds like your fan,
Get someone to rev your car while you listen (with the hood open )
Check that fan out. Be careful it doesn't fly off and Give you Crew Cut, eehhh

 

Is it called a fan shroud? My neighbor said it sounded like a "fan shroud" dunno what it is, is it an easy fix or does it need an entire replacement?

 

The fan shroud is "around" the fan, its so people like your neighbor arent walking around with 2 fingers on each hand.

The shroud doesn't move, it may be bent and rubbing the fan, but most likely that would sound different and you'd have a nice plastic smell.

 

Thanks for the information.. Im going to have to figure this out. Hopefully its not expensive.