I have been hearing a slight rubbing noise coming from the front for the last few days. I recently replaced both front rotors and pads. I jacked up the wheel and it does not spin freely like the right side does. The left tire has a bunch of brake dust on it from the vibration? I also can hear it when I accelerate. When on the highway I hear the droning sound.
My first thought after checking out other posts was that my propeller shaft had some bad u joints which still might be the case but I'm curious as to why the noise stops when I turn to the right when driving on the highway. I did replace the front wheel hub assembly a few years back. Could that be the problem again? Any help would be appreciated.
Weird issues
Re: Weird issues
Sorry, this is on a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder Se. 4x4 with the 4.0 liter v6 in it.
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atraudes
- Posts: 1106
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Re: Weird issues
Welcome to Nico!
Pull the pads off the left side, throw the wheel back on, and see if it's still doesn't spin easily. The whole thing sounds like the brake pads are rubbing and pulling the pads is a quick and free way to check that.
If that turns out to be it, it's either a matter of the pads not being lubed on the bracket or the pistons of the caliper sticking.
Pull the pads off the left side, throw the wheel back on, and see if it's still doesn't spin easily. The whole thing sounds like the brake pads are rubbing and pulling the pads is a quick and free way to check that.
If that turns out to be it, it's either a matter of the pads not being lubed on the bracket or the pistons of the caliper sticking.
Re: Weird issues
Awesome! I'll check it out first thing in the morning. Thanks.
Re: Weird issues
replaced both brake pads and the left side was slightly wore at an angle. Road tested it and still same humming noise. The left inside tire showed more wear than the rest. Out of balanced tire??? Would explain why noise goes away when turning to the right on the highway.
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rgk
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Re: Weird issues
More likely either worn bearings or misaligned front suspension.
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atraudes
- Posts: 1106
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
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Re: Weird issues
It sounds like you have two problems: the uneven tire wear and a sticking caliper piston. You probably just need an alignment to fix the tire wear (maybe a new tire, depending on how worn). As for the brakes, I'm thinking sticking caliper because the pads shouldn't ever wear at an angle, and the new pads will likely wear in the same way unless you address the source of the issue. If the piston isn't retracting properly then half of the pad will stay in contact with the rotor, causing the noise and uneven wear. I'd bring it to a shop and have them confirm.
Did you clean and lube the slide pins and caliper bracket?
Did you clean and lube the slide pins and caliper bracket?
Re: Weird issues
Yes I cleaned and lubed the slide pins. Now that you mentioned it the caliper was stiff instead of spongy.I'll get an alignment and replace the caliper. Thanks for your help!
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atraudes
- Posts: 1106
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
- Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
- Location: Sammamish, WA
Re: Weird issues
You know, it just occurred to me that I assumed: the caliper in question has two pistons, not just one, right?
Re: Weird issues
Right. It has two. The top caliper pin was sticking. I cleaned it with scotchbrite and lubed it up but noise is still there. I'm thinking it has to be an alignment or suspension issue. Why does the noise go away when I turn to the right? I can't figure that one out. It's smooth and quiet but as soon as I go straight again the noise is there.