Buy Now | Log In | ALLDATA Corporate Site | AutoZone.com
Back To Home Page
Log In To Your Subscription
Go To ALLDATA Back Home
Buy A Subscription! Back Home About ALLDATA Information View Sample Vehicles Read Testimonials Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us
Dowload Our Navigation Chart

Sign Up To Receive ALLDATAdiy.com Alerts

Click Here to receive regular product updates, special offers, and automotive news.

2012 Subaru Now Available May 2013: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Fiat!
• View New Vehicles
2012 Subaru Now Available December 2012: More 2012 Vehicles Added including Chevy & GMC!
• View New Vehicles
View All News and Updates:
• Go To News
Tech Tips
  Read All Tech Tips

ALLDATA Tech Articles Are Updated Weekly
• View All Tech Articles

  Dodge Durango: Brake Pulsation Problems In Paul's Durango
• Read Dodge Article
 
Fixing A Smelly Audi Audi Tech Tip: A4 begins to Smell caused by a Faulty Hose Composition
• Read Audi Article
Why Do You Need To Change Your Timing Belt? Why Replace Your Timing Belt
• Read Belt Article
Jim Grant Tech Tips Jim Grant Tech Tips
A collection of helpful articles based on reader submissions
Home >> Featured Tech Articles >> Go Back
   
  Jim Grant's Tech TipsJim Grant's Tech Tips
Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.
 
 

Miscellaneous
Acura
Audi
Buick
Cadillac
Chevy
Chrysler

Dodge/Plymouth
Ford
GMC
Geo
Hyundai
Honda
Isuzu

Jeep
Lexus
Lincoln - Mercury
Mazda
Mercedes
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Oldsmobile
Pontiac
Saturn
Subaru
Toyota
Volkswagen
 
   
  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'99 Nissan Maxima, Brake Groans

Q: During the last couple of weeks, my ’99 Nissan Maxima emits a loud groaning noise whenever I let up on the brake after stopping. Once I press the accelerator, the noise goes away. I was told a couple of months ago that my rear brakes were getting worn. Is the noise related to my brakes or do I need to get it checked out separately?

- Eric T.

Q:A brake inspection is in order. The noise you’re describing almost sounds like a brake is not releasing fully. There are some common problems that are known for creating groaning brakes on brake pedal release. 1. Brake pads can stick or bind in their holders due to rust build-up. The brake caliper has enough hydraulic power to apply the brake pads. The problem is the brake pad does not move away from the brake rotor as easily as it should when the brake is released. A good wire brushing and lube in the correct places is the fix. 2. Brake calipers must move freely on their slides. Most braking systems today use what is called a floating caliper design. It is not uncommon for rust to form on the slides or guide pins for the brake calipers. This creates a condition that is similar to the first mentioned rusted brake pad problem. But in this case, part of the brake caliper is holding the brake pad against the rotor. The result is pretty much the same. A good cleaning, lube and some new brake hardware may be all that is needed to stop the brake groans.

 
     
Have any Questions About ALLDATAdiy.com? Please Email Us
Buy Now | Log In | About | Sample Vehicles | Testimonials | Join Affiliate Program