Brake rubbing sound after a few miles of drive

SIMPLEONE

MEMBER
2005 NISSAN BLUEBIRD
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hello Car Pros, I recently replaced the brake pads of the front wheels. The pistons were cleaned and lubed, they were pushed back using a C clamp to insert the new pad set. Now after 5 -6 miles drive in normal traffic, it starts to give a rubbing sound. This goes away when brake is applied. For sure it looks like the pads are rubbing against the rotors maybe due to heat. How to fix this issue? I'm worried that at one point the pads will rub tight and bind the wheel.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

When you retracted the piston, did it move easily? Also, did you clean and lubricate the caliper slides? Were the old pads worn evenly?

Here is a link that shows front brake and rotor replacement. Note that partially down the page it discusses the caliper mount and the caliper. They are bolted together with slide pins. It is very important that the slides are clean and lubricated a free moving.

What may be happening is this. If the pads are slightly hanging up and touching the rotors, they may be heating up. When that happens, the brake fluid in the caliper heats up and expands, which applies more pressure. The result can be excessive brake drag or the noise you are hearing.

What I suggest is this. Safely lift the front wheels off the ground. Have a helper apply the brakes while you turn the wheels. When the brake locks, have the helper release the brakes so you can determine if the caliper is properly releasing.

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, if you could provide the answers to the aforementioned questions, it would be helpful.

Here is the link I mentioned:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

I will watch for your reply,

Joe