Hello All,
I a have a 2004 Nissan Maxima Se with 196000 miles on it. I was driving to work and when I exited the ramp off the highway I heard this grinding noise from my brakes. It sounded like it was coming from the front left . The brakes was pulsating when I applied the brakes I thought I wasn't going to stop. I search the forum and people mentioned possibly abs actuator or clean sensors and or change rear wheel bearings. I forgot to mention that after I came to a stop and I continued to drive again the noise and pulsating disappeared till I picked up speed and it happened again.
I know I am all over the place with my description of this problem but can someone help me with the cheapest approached to fix this. I will hate to take a car with 196000 miles to a dealer to stick it to me for more than what the car is worth. I took off the front wheels and the pads was good. I didn't check the rear pads yet. I appreciate any help fellows.


Blake

 

I am very confused. You check pads and rotors? Why would rear wheel bearings have anything to do with the front?

 

The actuator is still probably good because it is activating the ABS but you might need new sensors and definitely need the hubs cleaned. This happened to me and it was scary as hell because I had to pull the emergency brake to avoid rolling out into traffic, I was literally STANDING on the brake and the car still wouldn't come to a complete stop. Its a huge safety defect and I cant believe its not a recall.

 

I don't know. I am just confused and was just trying to figure out anything. Now that I read my post again it didn't make sense.i am going to check sensors like the member just posted.

 

Thank you for your response. Should I have all the wheel hubs cleaned or just the front. Cause that's where I hear the noise from. Also can the sensors be cleaned or must be replaced. Last question can all of the above be a Did job? Cause I'm philly and the weather will be in 50's and I can't try this myself. I really appreciate your help with this matter.

Blake

 

also there are no abs brake lights warning icons on the dash

 

Corrosion on the rear hubs, but it requires you to remove the brakes, and take off the hub, I think. The corrosion messes up the signal to the sensor - rust is a magnetic material and it obscures the ability of the sensor to detect the tone ring. The sensor is just a little bar magnet with a coil wrapped around it.
If you don't do this pretty quickly, there is a strong possibility of (1) having to buy a new sensor or sensors and worse, (2) having to replace the ABS because by over-running it the actuator becomes damaged. The dealer part cost for the ABS is North of USD1,000. You don't want to go there.