high pitch sound at 20mph?

[pathfinder98]

I can hear a high pitch, scraping, almost metalic sctaching sound coming from somewhere under my 98 Pathfinder while driving. I here it in the cabin with all the windows shut, and with them open, I hear it echo off cars or walls of stores that I pass by. Sounds like it's from the wheels, but they have been rotated. Brakes don't effect it - it's just present (and annoying) when driving. My mechanic thought it was the worn brake pads/calipers warning system, but I've had them all replaced (needed it anyway) and the sound is still there.

I can't figure out how to locate/isolate the sound because the car must be moving to create it. Anyone ever had this before?

Confused with a headache...
Mike

[Huckthis715]

Mike, I recently bought a '95 pathfinder, and it immediately started making a noise similar to the one you're discribing. Something like nails on a chalkboard. If you have a 4wd model, check to see if the auto-locking hubs are worn out and dragging. If that's not the case, its most likely rubber dust seals that sit on the rotors.

[pathfinder98]

The sound is as you describe, and it's so subtle that other people do not really hear it - but it drives me crazy. I can't figure if it comes from the front wheels or the rear while I'm driving.

I do have the 4wd and the front rotors were just replaced - wouldn't (Midas) have checked or seen the dust at that time? Also, are the auto locking hubs something I need to have the Nissas dealership look at or is something I can check out in my driveway (as a lamen mechanic)?

Mike

[lewisnc100]

You don't have auto-locking hubs on your 98, you have full time driveflanges. You can remove the hubs to get to the inner seal, might be where you are getting your squeel. But to get it back on and to set the preload correctly you need a locknut socket to set the high torque in order to seat the bearing, OTC7698 is the part I use. Some use a screwdriver or punch, but the tool makes it easy.

Also if you take off the hub to get to the rear grease seal you've got to remove the outer bearing and with the hub off it's just an easy step to remove the inner seal to get to the inner bearings. Might want to consider a repack while you're in there. Also a perfect time to install Warn Manual Hubs if you've ever considered it.

Another thing you might want to ask the dealer is TSB FA97-001a, it states the following and covers 96-98 pathfinders:

If a 1996-98 Pathfinder vehicle exhibits a high pitch squeal or whistle from the front hub/brake area, the cause may be the front hub dust seal This noise, can be heard while driving next to a wall where the sound is, reflected. The noise is also more likely to be heard after several miles with the front wheels at normal operating temperature. A countermeasure front hub baffle plate is available to resolve these incidents. The countermeasure baffle plates are modified to also function as dust seals. Parts RH 41150-1W400 and LH 41160-1W400.

[pathfinder98]

lewisNC...

I spoke with the dealership and rode with a mechanic. The mechanic just nudged and said..."probably the brakes." Great, that was not helpful and he didn't even really listen. the service manager said that it would only be the drive flange or baffle plate and locking hubs if it made the sound after the car was warmed up and running for 10 to 20 minutes. My car makes the sound as soon as it starts moving at 10mph. So, I'm at a loss again and don't know where to look to fix this problem. I'm not taking to a Nissan dealership if they aren't going to really listen for the whirling/high pitch sound, and try to sell me new brakes (which I just had replaced with new rotors 2 weeks ago...and the sound was there before that work).

urgh...thanks for the leads though

Mike

[lewisnc100]

I think that specific TSB issue the noise would be louder when warmed up but others have gotten stuff caught in the baffle plate or had it bent causing noise in all conditions.

Did he do this test with you?

To confirm the noise is not a brake pad squeal, drive the vehicle next to a wall at 1O-30 mph If you hear the high pitched or whistle lightly touch the brakes and listen for a change in the noise.

A. If the noise changes or is eliminated, the cause is likely a brake pad squeal.
B. If the noise does not change, install redesigned baffle plates.


NOTE : You may need to perform this test more than once to make sure the vehicle and brakes are at normal operating temperature.


If the noise before and after the brake repair was the same I'm having trouble seeing how it could be the brakes.

[KenD]

I exprerienced something very similar in my '94 when I bought it last year. It didn't seem directly related to the brakes - it would start squealing when braking on dusty downhills, but would eventually become constant, brakes on or off - all at arounf 10-15 mph. If I stopped the truck completely, the squeal would not be there when I started again for quite a few hours. As time went on, the upper ceiling speed where it would cut out increased. It was mostly happening in dry dusty areas, like the Inyos. Got similar responses form mechanics - must be dust in the brakes, etc. Had brakes and shims closely inspected, nothing showed up. Since then I've had my front axles replaced, since I was having the boots done anyway - they were all torn up. Since that there has been not a hint of a squeal. So I suggest you check the condition of your front axle boots, dust could be getting into the axle area and causing the squeal.

[wiz2u]

Had the same problem no one could pinpoint it. For me it was in my right front tire. Found out that when I had my front brake pads changed that the installer did not position them right cause when I went back to get another set of pads (after wearing those down) I ask him about it and he said where did you get them changeed at before and I said by you he smile and said that he would make sure the position of the pad was better. after that he test drove the truck. and I have not had that problem again.