https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgJUaB_7dF0

Any ideas? Occurs constantly (straight, turning wheel, braking, in gear or neutral). Most notable around 30-40mph. Sounds like a mild intermittent brushing/rubbing sound that varies with speed of vehicle. Sounds like it's from the front left. Not sure if it was doing it prior, but I did just replace the lower control arms which involved removing the axle. Cannot hear with windows up.

Checks that have been done:

Brakes - pulled pads, lubed and re-assembled.
Tapped on rotors and no rocks were dis-lodged.
Dust shield is not bent.
Axle nut torque checked (217 #).
Confirmed that new LCA bolts torqued properly.
No bearing play.
Fender liner is not loose.
Tightened end link.
Not a clicking sound (i.e. CV joint).
Sounds normal when spin wheel while in the air.
Tested with different wheel/tire.

 

Rotor

 

Did you find the cause? I have a very similar issue.

 

what did you torque the axle nut to?

 

I found the answer in another post here.
It was a wheel bearing.
The guy posted a video with the exact noise mine is making.
He then posted an update stating that the wheel bearing was the culprit.

EDIT: After spending $160 on faulty diagnosis and $80 on unneeded parts I changed the wheel bearing myself and fixed the issue.

 

last time I had a wheel bearing failure was from over tightening the axle nut. the FSM says 188 - 245 ft-lbs but I stick with 160 ft lbs. too little torque and you'll have play and too much will overload the wheel bearing and it will wear prematurely.

 

I had the front wheel bearings on my 2003 replaced 3 times by the same shop before they figured out how to get it right. After the 3rd replacement within a 10K stretch the front bearings have been fine for about 30K now.

I really think Nissan cheaped out on bearing sizing in the Maxima... but I am used to taper roller bearings in trucks that last forever instead of itty bitty ball bearing wheel bearings.