Rear drivers side brake dragging? Changed pads + rotor...

[tomservo291]

We just got a used 2008 Rogue SL AWD.

After about two weeks of driving, the rear drivers side brake started making a horrendous, what sounds like, metal on metal noise when braking... the noise seems to happen at a specific point during the wheel rotation (i.e. happens at faster intervals at faster speeds).

I got new OEM pads from a local dealer, took the brakes apart.. and couldn't find anything wrong. In fact, the car had brand new OEM brakes on it already (dealer must have put them on before selling us the car); so new that there was no noticeable difference in thickness and I didn't need to reset the caliper to get it back on.

I've never owned a car that is so new, and similarly I've never worked on brakes that were as clean and non-rusty/weathered/worn as these.. so everything fit together better then any previous brake job I've ever done. The pads don't sit too tight in the bracket, no noticeable rusty areas, the caliper piston looks clean, the rubber boots on the caliper piston and the floating caliper pins were in good shape, the grease on the pins seemed fresh and clean and the brake hardware (shims, pad holders, etc) were clean.

All-in-all, like I said, brakes seem perfect.

Yet, after changing the pads, the noise went away.

About two weeks later, we drove the car ~ 4 hrs on a trip and as soon as we got off the highway and started driving/braking at lower speeds, the exact same metal on metal noise was back again. I can only assume that the brakes are dragging slightly and the long highway trip caused enough friction/heat to damage the pad/rotor.

I just changed the pads and rotor again, and while test driving.. the noise is gone, but now since the rotor is brand new I can distinctly hear a very faint noise from the brakes when they are NOT applied, i.e. I can hear them dragging. This time, I reset the caliper, worried that this was the culprit.. assuming it was stuck, or seized... but, like everything else, the caliper piston pushed in with ease... easier then I've ever had on brakes before, so I would find it hard to believe that this caliper is sticking. Also, the brake fluid is topped off correctly.

So... the question is... I'm hoping there is some known or similar problem with the Rogue's so I can figure this out.

[philipa_240sx]

I have never experienced this.

Maybe it's something else. Nissan released a tech bulletin regarding grinding/knocking noises when turning. Do these symptoms match what you are experiencing:

NTB10029 - SB Murano/Rogue; Grinding/Knocking Noise From Rear When Turning

IF YOU CONFIRM There is a grinding or knocking noise or vibration from the rear of the vehicle: - when making wide turns - on dry roads - at low speeds (under 20 MPH). ACTION Remove the Rear Propeller Shaft and test drive the vehicle: If the noise/vibration DOES NOT stop: This bulletin DOES NOT APPLY. Refer to ASIST for further diagnostic assistance. If the noise/vibration DOES stop: Replace the Electrical Coupling Assy. (CPLG ASSY-ELEC) with the one from the Parts Information section of this bulletin. Refer to the appropriate section in the Electronic Service Manual for removal and installation. DO NOT replace the entire Rear Final Drive assembly for this incident, if it should occur.

[kerrton]

I've been thinking about this one a lot and it's puzzling, but thinking about it logically if you've determined that the brakes are in perfect working order then you'd assume that the noise is coming from somewhere else. However, the fact that the new brake job temporarily solves the problem doesn't support this idea, unless of course it's just coincidence that the noise seemed to stop after a brake job.

I'm assuming your Rogue is still under warranty - definately you are still within the 3 year comprehensive warranty period. If you aren't over your mileage, I'd let Nissan take a look and if they find the problem it will be fixed free of charge. Even if you're out of warranty, perhpas it's time to let Nissan service techs have a look at it, perhaps they've encountered this msyterious issue before? Sorry I couldn't be more helpful but this one really is tough to figure out.

[philipa_240sx]

I've noticed similar noises at times, but they are faint and I have to drive beside a building, curb, etc which reflects the noise back. I begin to wonder if it's just the result of the type of pad material? I recently switched to Satisfied Performance Pro Ceramic and I noticed they make a slightly different noise than stock pads.

Remember that disc brakes ride just a few thousands of an inch above the rotor and likely make contact at some point during the revolution. Some noise is inevitable.