Help! My Nissan Makes a Noise When I Brake

August 12, 2021

From scraping to high-pitched squealing to ominous thumping ‐ your brakes can make all sorts of noises, but should they? If you notice unusual sounds when braking, don't settle for uncertainty! Learn about common brake noises, the issues behind them, and the types of repairs and parts that can help.

Nissan Brake Noise #1: Squeaking

Do your brakes sound more like fingernails on a chalkboard? If you experience squealing, squeaking, or screeching sounds when slowing down or stopping ‐ various issues could be at play.

If your brakes are new:

If your Nissan just got new brake pads, you might be surprised (and even angry) about these unusual sounds. In many cases, drivers notice high-pitched sounds after installing new pads.

Like a new pair of kicks, some pads have an initial break-in period, which may cause squealing when you first start driving with them. That's why you should take it easy on your Nissan for the first few drivers after a brake change.

In other cases, these noises happen due to moisture and condensation on the rotors. Humidity from snow, rain or even fog can create a thin layer of rust over the rotor, resulting in an uneven rotor surface, making a high-pitched sound when in contact with the brake pads. After a few minutes of driving, your Nissan brake pads will typically "scrub off" the rust.

New or almost new brakes can also squeak when they get too hot, usually when drivers slam on or ride the brakes. The best thing to do when you suspect your Nissan brakes are overheating is to pull over and let them cool off before you continue driving. Also, ensure you practice good braking habits, like laying off the acceleration when approaching a slowdown.

If your brakes are not so new:

Can't remember the last time you changed your brakes? In that case, the squeaking sound you're hearing is likely coming from the pads or rotors. As brake pads wear down, the metal behind the pads comes in contact with your rotor, often resulting in a high-pitched squeal when you brake. Take that squeak as your queue to check your brake assembly. The fix may be as simple as getting new, genuine brake pads for your Nissan.

Take advantage of your DIY visual brake inspection to check out the rotors. Depending on the conditions of where you drive (and park!), dirt and humidity may have caused corrosion to form. In most cases, the pads file this rust off as you brake, but in more severe cases, new rotors may be necessary.

Brake Noise #2: Grinding

If you hear grinding when pressing the brake pedal:

Grinding and screeching can easily be confused, but we'll define "grinding" as a wince-inducing, metal-on-metal noise for this guide. It's kind of like squeaking, but worse ‐ and for a good reason ‐ grinding is often what happens when squeaks are left unchecked.

As previously noted, the metal backing on brake pads becomes exposed as the pads wear down, generating a high-pitched alert. Eventually, the brake pads will wear out completely, which means the rotor will "squeeze" the remaining metal backing every time you try to slow down your car. In turn, the rotor may scratch or warp, which puts you at risk for brake failure. As the rotor wears, you may also notice a pulsing or see-sawing sensation when braking.

If you're hearing cringe-worthy grinding coming from your Nissan brakes, inspect them as soon as possible. Depending on how long the problem's been happening, you may need new brake pads or require rotor replacements or resurfacing.

Brake Noise #3: Hissing

If you notice hissing when engaging (or disengaging) the brake pedal:

Does your brakes' new snake-like hissing make you feel a bit rattled? Most likely, you're dealing with a leak! But where is the leak? In order to understand why you hear a hissing noise when engaging or disengaging the brake pedal, a deep dive into how modern brakes work is necessary.

It all starts when you press on the brake pedal, which causes the brake line to send brake fluid ‐ also known as hydraulic oil ‐ from the master cylinder down to the calipers. Once inside the calipers, brake fluid engages the pistons, which squeeze the pads against the rotor, generating the friction you need to slow down.

In order to transform the tap of a pedal into the friction required to stop your 3000 lb vehicle, the brake system relies on hydraulic pressure, which is regulated and transferred by the power booster and a series of valves and gaskets. A ruptured gasket or a leak in the brake booster, fluid lines, or master cylinder may allow the brake fluid to escape, compromising the hydraulic pressure your brake system requires and leading to an audible "hiss." If this is the case, you may also notice a "spongy" or "difficult" brake pedal along with the hissing noise.

Additionally, it's important to remember that leaks are a two-way street ‐ just like they can allow hydraulic pressure to seep out, they also give contaminants easy access to the brake fluid. Water, debris, and air can further compromise the brake fluid's effectiveness.

Eventually, hissing noises can lead to brake failure, putting you, your car, and other drivers at risk. Low or contaminated brake fluid may require a top-off or a "brake bleeding service" (also known as a "brake fluid exchange."

When you notice a hissing sound when engaging or releasing the brake pedal, it's best to play things safe. Test the system for leaks, paying particular attention to valves, gaskets, and the power booster. Once you pinpoint the source of the leak, order OE replacement brake components from the manufacturer.

A Complex System with a Simple Job

Your Nissan's complex brake system is thoughtfully engineered to do one simple job ‐ to stop your car. When any of its components become worn or faulty, your stopping power (and safety) may be at risk! Take no chances ‐ monitor, and inspect any weird brake noises that come your way, and when repairs are needed, ensure you're using the best parts for the job. Alternatively, schedule an appointment at your nearest certified Nissan service center for professional diagnostics and repairs.

Ensure precise fitment and state-of-the-art performance by choosing OE Nissan brake parts and accessories. From brake pads to power boosters, we've got you covered. Select your vehicle model, year, and trim to find components made by Nissan for your Nissan.