I have a 2009 model and recently I've been hearing a weird grinding noise coming from the front end. My initial thought was that it's a bad wheel bearing but I wanted to be sure before I buy parts for no reason.

The grinding can be heard at any speed. I also know it's not a tire issue because I jacked the front end of the car up, took the wheels off, and put the car in drive. You can hear the noise even then so I'm convinced it's related to the drive axle.

I attempted to record a video of the grinding noise but my phone barely picked up the sound. I've also searched around on the forum and most people with similar issues ended up having a bad bearing. But I know with bearings the common diagnosis is a high-pitched humming noise. The issue I'm having is more of a low-pitched grinding noise, like something heavy was being dragged across the floor.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

So are u saying the noise can still be heard even when the car is not moving? Maybe I misunderstood

 

Yes the car was jacked up and I put the transmission in drive. The car wasn't moving since it was off the ground but the rotors were spinning.

 

Oh ok I gotcha now, I'm willing to bet it's a bearing, I had the drivers side replaced recently and compared to other cars I've had in past there was no loud humming, it was more of a grinding sound. I could also feel the vibration thru out the entire car especially the drivers and passenger seat

 

Sounds about like what I'm dealing with. At times I'm able to feel vibration through the gas pedal.

I plan on replacing it myself but I do not have a bearing press. Is it possible on our cars to just buy the entire hub assembly with the bearing already pressed in and replace that. If anyone else can chime in and offer their knowledge it would be appreciated.

 

I can't speak to if you can buy the whole hub assembly, but vibration in the gas pedal was another symptom I had. I was able to get mine replaced under warranty so I lucked out

 

Its your wheel bearing.

 

I agree the bearing is bad the sound will change one rotating or with a load also .

 

Looks like you can just change the entire hub assembly.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...8375_8376.html

The FSM would probably be helpful:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nis...e-manuals.html

 

Way easier to just put in the whole thing