1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER - Grinding when braking..

[ArcherV20]

Just recently it seems my dads truck has been having this problem when braking.

When braking to come to a stop on dry, or snowy conditions, the brakes are fine until the last few moments of stopping. There is a low, grinding, noise coming from the braking system, I can't tell if it's the front or rear, but upon quick visual inspection of the front rotors I can tell you there is no grinding being done to the rotors, as originally I thought it was some huge f'ing gouging going on down there.

ANYWAY

What I'm begining to think, is that it is the ABS system malfunctioning. The braking doesn't seem to be effected however I DO notice that the car *does* shimmy a little when the noise comes on. Also the noise sounds just like the ABS does when it activates but a lot ... angrier.. and destructive to the internals.

Let me know guys, I hope I can nip this problem in the butt instead of having my dad payout a ton of cash to a mechanic shop.

[joestrummer77]

Actually this sounds like normal ABS operation on your Pathy. How is the tire tread depth? Close to replacing them? Have you also pulled the rear drums to inspect yet? Bet you wish like me that you had rotors on rear eh?!! What is the drivetrain mode? Auto? 4 Hi?

If it brakes straight on snow with the ABS chatter, and your rotor and drum inspections are OK, I say you are good.

Hope that helps.

Later,

Nick

[ArcherV20]

Tires are new and I haven't pulled the rear drums, do you suspect it could be ice inside the drum? This is driving in regular AWD on dry / wet pavement (we've had some snow melting days the past few days).

Also it's never made this sound before! I wish I could record the noise...

Any other suggestions guys?

(And yes! Rear rotors would kick ***! :\ )