Noise in the Brake System (Driver's Side)??

[matt.sliger]

I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima Manual Transmission. I recently heard a noise from what sounded like a warped rotor or obviously something else (as the rotors were replaced). I had the brakes checked by a family mechanic that is a Nissan certified mechanic. He recommended the pads be changed and the rotors be changed. If the noise continued he said we might have to change the rotors. Well the noise continued the rotors were changed. As you might guess the noise continues and I am looking for answers as the mechanic is unsure of what it could be. He just reassured me that it would not hurt the car. It bothers me and I need to fix it. It is a cyclic noise that happens only when the car is turning to the left (i believe). It seems to happen more after the car is good and warmed up. You might not here anything if the car is driven 5-10 miles give or take a few miles. A trip over 30 miles would definitely yield the noise. Any suggestions or possible answers would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. BTW lug nuts,etc. were checked and all is tight.

[loystock]

Are you sure your mechanic is a certified Nissan Technician? A warped rotor does not make a screeching sound, unless maybe if it's really crooked or cracked. A warped rotor can be felt as a vibration when you do a high speed braking >40MPH.

He replaced the pads and rotors without even identifying the source of the noise. It could be caused by the pads, calipers, shims, drive axle, steering, etc. And he told you to ignore the noise??? The brake is a safety item that must be taken seriously.

You or your friendly mechanic must first locate the source of that noise. This is a 2-man job. It must be done in the morning since the noise only occurs when the car components are cold. Lightly loosen the lug nuts of both front wheels (just to allow the removal of the tires later with the car jacked up). You need to jack up both front tires just barely above a LEVEL ground. USE JACK STANDS FOR SAFETY. If you will do it inside the garage, make sure it is well ventilated - CO is a killer.

With the front tires up, verify Parking Brake is engaged then start the car. Even in PARK, the wheels will start spinning since you have a FWD. Lightly step on the brake to slow down the wheels, and with the wheels still spinning, listen for the source of the noise. Somebody may have to go under the car to locate the sour of noise, PROVIDED IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. Flashlight may come in handy. Turn the wheels side to side and listen for the noise. Once you have confirmed the source is only the driver side, stop the engine. At this point, if you're lucky, you could have pinpointed the source of the noise

Remove the affected tire and fix the problem. If noise isolation is further required, start the engine again, lightly apply the brake and turn wheels side-to-side until you can exactly locate the source of the noise. Once identified, repair/remove/replace the affected part.

Good luck!

[matt.sliger]

loystock

You are right I am not sure my mechanic is a certified Nissan Technician. I was just going on my Dad's word that he was. Not the smartest thing to assume. Next, the warped rotor was just an assumption that I made. I am by no means a mechanic or am qualified to diagnose that as the culprit. Sorry for any confusion I caused. The mechanic replaced the pads and rotors replaced the pads and rotors because they were in need of being replaced regardless of the other noise. The comment I made was just that I was hoping when he changed the pads and rotors that the noise would go away. Apparently they weren't related at least in regards of the change out did not make the noise go away. I agree with you comment about the noise being caused by the pads, calipers, shims, drive axle, steering, etc. As you know I have already hopefully eliminated the pads and calipers. He didn't say ignore the noise persay just that it shouldn't cause in harm to the car. Although he could be right or wrong I am trying to take action and get it fixed the right way. In your words take it seriously.

I will take your advice and try to fix the problem. The only thing I wanted to correct about your statement was the part about I hear the noise when my car is cold. The noise happens after the car is warmed up not cold. I have to drive approximately 30 miles give or take several miles to start hearing the noise. It is only when I am taking fairly sharp corners. Mainly 90 degree turns (ie stop signs, etc.) Mostly right turns I don't think it happens on left turns and the noise sounds like the driver's side front. I will add in saying that the noise starts when the brake is applied and continues when the brake is released. The noise stops only after the wheel is almost straight. Thus if I was doing a continuous right turn i would assume it would not stop. Not sure maybe I will try this and see. It like the brake does not disengage or something. My dad bled the brakes and nothing happened. Now I will try your suggestion. Please comment if you have any more ideas from the extra information given. Also, thanks for answering my post.

[loystock]

In that case, it would be better to have the car inspected at a reputable shop. Describe to them the problem you are having. Setup an appointment, then drive the car for at least 30 mins before going to the shop. The noise created during braking may be due to suspension/steering problem or even a sticky caliper.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Might just need cleaning with some brake cleaner but unever know

[matt.sliger]

Thanks for all the advice. I will set up an appointment when I get back from vacation in a week. I will let you guys know how it turns out.