What is wrong with my car??

Question

i have a 98 Nissan Maxima, (dont know much about cars) and just recently, it started making an odd noise when i break, not like that squeaky noise, but like another type of rough noise, like if something is gonna fall off or is stuck or something, but i only hear it when i brake, any idea what it could be?
and im tired of taking it to pro mechanics they just charge alot and never fix the problems,
if its something to do with the brakes is it too difficult to fix by myself?????
im willing to risk it
Thanks In Advance

well i sprayed the breaks with break cleaner, if this doesnt stop the noise, ima probably have to replace the break pads like many of you have suggested ill wait a little longer to get more answers :)

Answer 1

You need new brake pads. Brake pads brake themselves against the rotor, and when the surface of the pads has worn down to nothing the pad's backing plate begins grinding against the rotors. This is the usual way the rotors become damaged, and if you score your rotors badly then you must have them replaced as well. Typically if you maintain the pads you don't have to replace rotors, ever.

Pads are cheap and easy to replace yourself. When you get them out of the car they have a wear indicator down the center of the pad.

Answer 2

I would bet you have worn out brake pads or shoes or both. Take a tire off the front and the back and check the smoothness of your rotors and the thickness of your brake pads. In the back of the car you might have to remove a retainer on the drum to get it off but they are usually pretty easy. Check for roughness inside the drums and the thickness of the brake lining on the brake shoes. Does your car still brake good? If it does then you might just have a loose brake caliper. There should be a couple of inverted hex bolts that hold the caliper to the rotor. Make sure they are tight. If they are not that is probably where your noise is coming from. Good luck.

Answer 3

You need to change the brake pads. In fact you needed to change them a while back. The noise you are hearing is metal to metal because there is nothing left of the pads. If you have damaged the rotor too much it will have to be turned, or if the grooves are too deep, replaced. Good pro mechanics don't charge too much and not fix problems, just find one you are happy with. Since you admittedly don't know much about cars, this is not something I'd recommend you do yourself. Especially if the rotor needs to be removed.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2852296/2/istockphoto_2852296_car_brake_rotor.jpg will show you what you don't want to see.

Answer 4

Sounds like you let the brake pads wear all the way out and the metal brake plate is rubbing on the metal rotor. If that's the problem you'll have to have the rotors machined and the pads replaced. I'd look around for a better garage to take it to.

Answer 5

its sounds like its probably in need of new brake pads on it or shoes,and yes you can replace them if you take your time with it,but the rotors or drums will have to be turned down some on it,and even though you can replace the shoes or pads,it still doesn't mean your going to have perfect brakes on it when your done, i really suggest you have it done ,brakes aren't something that you want to leave to chance going out,they need to be done right,good luck on it.

Answer 6

sounds like worn out brakes to me. Take it to a place that does free brake inspections, like "Mieneke" or "midas" and have em checked.
I do all my own brake work, except for turning down the rotors/drums, I pay to have that done. But I have worked on cars and MC's for a lot of years. Brakes are tricky and critical to the safe operation of your vehicle. Unless you trained to work on em, pay the money to have a pro do it for you.

Answer 7

it could be that your break pads are wore out. if this is the problem then it isnt too difficult to fix yourself. we just replaced my moms break pads about a month ago.