Brake Problems

I have had some trouble with my brakes... When I come to a complete stop my brakes seem to jerk or skips to a stop and when I release the brake I have to press the gas kind of hard to get going again... like it is stuck or something. This doesn't happen all the time, but there is no pattern to it... it doesn't always happen when I first get in the car or if it is cold or anything... anybody know?

Does it feel like the front or rear? Could be the calipers need to be cleaned and the slide pins lubed. If it might be the rear you could have an axle seal going bad leaking fluid into the drums or bearing grease. How does the rotor surface look, any rust or glazing? Might just need to resurface the rotors, install new pads and clean and lube the calipers.

Could also be a piston sticking in the caliper bore, in which case it's best to replace the calipers (both of them) and install new pads and have the brake fluid changed. (yes I said change the brake fluid). The fluid absorbs water through the rubber hoses, and seals which causes rust on the caliper pistons and bores causing them to stick. If it is indeed a stuck piston, and the rotors got hot, be sure to look at the wheel bearings for signs of overheating (blueish tint on the rollers). If the pulsation is felt in the steering wheel, it's usually the front brakes that are the problem. Hope this helps you!

I have replaced the calipers, and brake pads (3 times) and still experience terrible squeeling and grinding when braking. But like you, not all the time, not consistent with weather, cold, heat, always stopping or always starting, nothing we can nail down. I have skidding or slipping felt when braking, and even when braking from slow speeds. I also have terrible sticking when initiating acceleration from standstill, but again, not always after having experienced a difficult brake, but just seemingly whenever. I have had this vehicle since 19000 miles and now have 122900 miles on it. It has been incredibly dependable, except for this braking and accelerating issue, which has been consistant since I purchased it in 2000. If it weren't for this issue, I would buy another when this one is worn out.....but unless I can get this resolved, I am out of Nissan. Thanks for everyone's input. I am printing it to take to my mechanic to be sure he has looked at all that you suggested. I am soooo glad to know that this may actually have a solution.!

I have a 98 pathfinder that has been nothing but great. However my brakes are acting weird since 60,000 miles. I just put brand new pads rotors and calipers along with new bearings and the thing still sounds like its grinding or rubbing.It looks like this is a common problem with the brakes.Has anyone had this problem fixed.

I have a 98 pathfinder that has been nothing but great. However my brakes are acting weird since 60,000 miles. I just put brand new pads rotors and calipers along with new bearings and the thing still sounds like its grinding or rubbing.It looks like this is a common problem with the brakes.Has anyone had this problem fixed.
I have a similar grinding/rubbing sound that occurs intermittently on my '97 and usually at slower speeds (5-17mph). I had my mechanic (who is really good) check this problem out. He inspected the brakes and drove it but saw nothing unusual, said the pads were in great shape, and didn't hear what I was talking about. He suggested we go for a ride together and the brakes "did it". His exact words were "yeah that's bad". He was kind of at a loss, he insisted that my pads (factory) were practically new and the only thing he knew to do was to replace pads calipers and rotors but again insisted that the parts already on there were in great shape and completely safe. He did say that Nissan factory pads were "harder" than some or most pads and were hard enough on rotors to where I'd probably need the rotors replaced when I have to do pads so until someone who has our same problem offers up a solution, I'm just going to live with the "occasional grind" until my pads wear out and see what happens when I get them and the rotors replaced. Let us know if you figure this one out----Clint

I have a similar grinding/rubbing sound that occurs intermittently on my '97 and usually at slower speeds (5-17mph). I had my mechanic (who is really good) check this problem out. He inspected the brakes and drove it but saw nothing unusual, said the pads were in great shape, and didn't hear what I was talking about. He suggested we go for a ride together and the brakes "did it". His exact words were "yeah that's bad". He was kind of at a loss, he insisted that my pads (factory) were practically new and the only thing he knew to do was to replace pads calipers and rotors but again insisted that the parts already on there were in great shape and completely safe. He did say that Nissan factory pads were "harder" than some or most pads and were hard enough on rotors to where I'd probably need the rotors replaced when I have to do pads so until someone who has our same problem offers up a solution, I'm just going to live with the "occasional grind" until my pads wear out and see what happens when I get them and the rotors replaced. Let us know if you figure this one out----Clint
I just had the rear brakes adjusted and that helped quite a bit, I'm changing the rear shocks and hopefully that will take some weight off of the front.My bearings that were less than a year old were shot because my rears weren't engaing so my fronts were stopping the car by them selves. I'm turning the rotors replacing the rear shocks and I'll let you know what happens from there.