Brake Caliper (Rear) - Clunk/Rattle/Knocking Noises
Classification: BR01-001AReference: NTB01-069A
Date: March 7, 2002
CLUNK, RATTLE, OR KNOCKING NOISE FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER
This bulletin amends NTB01-069. This version includes additional Model and Model Year application. Please discard all paper Copies of the earlier bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLE (S):
2001-2002 Maxima (A33)
2001-2002 Sentra (B15) w/rear disc brakes
APPLIED VINS:
2001 Maxima built after;
JN1CA31D*1T817597
JN1CA31D*1T616722
JN1CA31A*1T107388
JN1CA31A*1T309114
2002 Maxima built before:
JN1DA31A*2T001477
JN1DA31A*2T306797
JN1DA31D*2T203297
JN1DA31D*2T414384
2001 Sentra SE All VIN's after Mar. 1, 2001
2002 Sentra SE/R & SPEC V All VIN's before Dec. 3, 2001
APPLIED DATE:
2001 Maxima built after November. 27, 2000
2002 Maxima built before September 20, 2001
2001 Sentra SE built after March 1, 2001
2002 Sentra SE/R & SPEC V built before December 3, 2001
SERVICE INFORMATION
If an Applied vehicle exhibits the following symptoms:
^ A clunk, knock, or rattle noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving on rough road surfaces or over harsh bumps,
It may be caused by the brake pads moving in the brake caliper housing.
A replacement Spring Retainer (SPR-RET) Kit, consisting of replacement pad retainers, inner and outer shims, and brake pads is available to address this condition. Use the Service Procedure provided in this bulletin to diagnose and repair this incident, if it should occur.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Test drive the vehicle under the conditions described in the Service Information section to confirm the symptoms exist.
NOTE:
Lightly apply the parking brake while the incident is occurring to verify if the noise is reduced or eliminated.
^ If application of the parking brake does not reduce or eliminate the noise, this bulletin does not apply. Use other appropriate diagnostic procedures and service information to further investigate and diagnosis the source of the noise.
^ If application of the parking brake reduces or eliminates the noise, proceed to step 2 below.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
Starting with the left rear:
3. Remove the brake caliper assembly pin bolts (see Figure 1).
4. Loosen the parking brake cable by removing the parking brake cable bolt (see Figure 2).
5. Remove the brake caliper assembly to gain access to the brake pad, shim, and pad retainer.
WARNING:
DO NOT allow the brake caliper assembly to hang from the brake hose. Use a piece of wire to hang the caliper from the rear coil spring.
6. Remove the left brake pad, shim, and pad retainer.
7. Use Nissan Brake Cleaner (P/N 999MP-A3042) to remove the old PBC (Poly Butyl Cuprysil) grease and/or brake dust from the "torque member" (see Figure 3).
8. Install a replacement pad retainer.
^ First, remove the red plastic tabs from one of the replacement pad retainers in the SPR-RET kit (see Figure 4).
^ See the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin.
9. Repeat step 8 for the other replacement pad retainer.
10. Install inner and outer brake pads, outer shim, and new inner shim from the SPR-RET Kit.
NOTE:
^ Use PBC grease (Nissan P/N 99990-00939P) between the brake pad and shim, and between the shim and piston to reduce potential noise. Use it sparingly (do not use too much). DO NOT GET ANY PBC GREASE ON THE BRAKE PAD "FRICTION" SURFACES.
^ Be sure to put the inner and outer shims in the correct location (see Figure 5).
11. Carefully push the piston back into the brake caliper body while gently turning the piston clockwise. For more information, check the applicable ESM. Refer to the BR/BRAKE SYSTEM - REAR DISC BRAKE - Pad Replacement section.
WARNING:
DO NOT try to force the piston back into the brake caliper. Caliper damage may result.
12. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly to its original location.
13. Reattach the left upper and lower caliper assembly pin bolts. Torque the bolts to proper torque specifications (i.e. 22-31 N-m, 2.2 - 3.2 Kg-m, 16 - 23 ft-lb).
14. Reinstall the parking brake cable bolt.
15. Repeat steps 3 through 14 for the right rear brake.
16. Reinstall the rear wheels.
NOTE:
When re-installing the wheels, evenly torque the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
(Maxima: 98 - 118 N-m, 10 - 12 Kg-m, 72 - 87 ft-lb)
(Sentra 2001: 98 -127 N.m (10.0 - 12.9 kg-m, 73 - 93 ft-lb)
(Sentra 2002: 98 - 127 N.m, 10 - 13 kg-m, 73 - 94 ft-lb)
Do not tighten the wheel lug nuts with an air impact driver.
17. Repeat step 1 to test drive the vehicle and verify the noise is no longer present.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line claim using the claims coding shown.
NOTE:
Do NOT claim the Brake Cleaner or PBC Grease. These are normal shop supplies adequate for multiple repairs.