2003 Nissan Pathfinder High pitch squeel only moving.

JOEFOS

MEMBER
2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
45,000 MILES

I have a high pitch squeel coming from what I think is under the car. I've turned on and off the a/c it remains, I've put in in neutral it remains, revered the engine (while rolling in neutral) dosn't change. It went away for a couple months and is back. The other day I was in bad traffic and it was happening at a slow speed (it only happens moving, even if I put it in neutral and stop, it stops at about 6 to 10 mph and goes at highest speed) It almost sounded like it was coming from the exhaust or under the car.

Another key is when I hit a bump or jerk the car it will stop or distrub the noise, but it starts right back up again, i've considrered hitting somthing really hard to get rid of it, but not in the best interest of the car.

Breaks are band new and no guel issues, this sound has been going on for well over 6 months.

If it helps, in my opinion I thought it may be the little hole in the exhaust that allows the condenstaion to drip, may be obstructed a little bit may be acting like a tea pot if that makes sence. (My 2 cents)

Thanks in advance,
Joe Foster

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

This stuff can be hard to find, but I would start by removing the serp belt and starting the engine, if noise goes away, check ALL pulleys, especially the idler and tensioner pulleys. Check alternator pulley too, spin them all, should be no roughness or binding.
Tensioner may be weak. With a standard transmission, clutch noises may also be the problem, process of elimination. If the wrong linning material was installed on the brakes, and no shims on the pads, this could also be the problem.
ALL NISSAN; BRAKE NOISE/JUDDER/PEDAL FEEL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): NTB00-033d, � Date of Issue: � August 8, 2007 Related Ref Number(s): NTB00-033, NTB00-033A, NTB00-033B, NTB00-033C, NTB00-033D ARTICLE BEGINNING SERVICE INFORMATION � � � This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. � � � Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise : A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. B. Brake Judder : A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. C. Pedal Feel : The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. BRAKE NOISE � � � Brakes can make a range of noises when applied or released. Some noises are normal and no repair action should be taken. � � � Use the following descriptions to identify the specific type of brake noise and the appropriate repair: Squeak noise when the brakes are cold : � � � Usually occurs during the first few stops in the morning. � � � This is a normal condition. No service action is necessary. NISSAN: All Nissan Classification: BR00-004d APPLIED VEHICLE(S): All Nissan NOTE: This bulletin has been amended. The Applied Vehicles have been updated. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin. Squeak noise with the brakes at normal operating temperatures : � � � Refer to technical bulletins specific to the model of vehicle regarding this incident. � � � If there are no bulletins for the car you are working on, install OE type pads using the information listed under Brake Service on page 6 of this bulletin and the appropriate Service Manual procedures. Notes about brake pads and brake noise : Original Equipment (OE) brake pads are installed on all current Nissan vehicles at the factory. � � � The OE pads use a Non-asbestos Organic (NAO) compound. The NAO material provides state of the art resistance to squeal noise. � � � These pads are available as service parts and must be used if replacing brake pads under the terms of the Nissan new car warranty. Key Value brake pads are also available as a high quality service replacement part at a very attractive price. � � � These pads use a semi -metallic compound, similar to the material used in Nissan OE pads prior to the introduction of the NAO compound. � � � Key Value semi-metallic pads offer excellent braking performance but do not offer the same level of noise resistance as the OE-NAO pads. � � � Service customers have varying sensitivity to brake noise and the individual customer must decide which product best suits his or her requirements, balancing price and noise resistance. � � � Make sure the Service Advisor adequately explains the differences between Key Value brake pads and Nissan OE-NAO brake pads to the customer when discussing brake service. Loud continuous squeak/squeal noise : � � � Occurs with or without braking. � � � This is a normal brake function. It occurs when the brake pad wear indicators contact the rotor. � � � It indicates the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. Install new brake pads using the information listed under Brake Service on page 6 of this bulletin and the appropriate Service Manual procedures.