2006 Nissan Murano Vibration / Noise

[ashajc]

Hi,

I have read a few posts on here about Engine Vibration / Noise from the front drivers side engine area. I too am having some very annoying noise and vibration!

I have 45,000 miles on the clock, it's a 2006. I had 4 new tires and alignment done by Big O at beginning August and about 2 weeks ago I had an Oil Change (every 5k), replaced the air cabin filter AND had a new battery put in because the other one died the night before!

I know there are alot of 'could be' ideas here and I am attempting to self-diagnose before I make a dreaded trip to the nissan service dept. and end up heavily out of pocket. Not trying to create a sob story but basically can't afford to cough up service charges right now!

I am wondering whether it is related to the onboard computer system being reset from the battery change at Big O. They took about an hour to do the battery, filter and oil change. At one point they had to go get a new 9Volt battery from the grocery store next them (no idea what for) so it would seem the car battery was out for quite some time.

I am finding that there is no noise apparent when you start the engine or when you are driving high speeds, it's usually at it's worst around 40mph and 1300-2000 rpm. It kind of feels and sounds like a 'chopping' noise, kind of like a helicopter or if you were driving with all your windows down. It's more annoying than anything, no clicking or clunking (as yet).

Not 100% sure but it also seems like the rpm is generally lower at higher speeds, I am getting about 2000 rpm at 65-70 mph, I thought it was higher before the battery change at this speed but I could be imagining things?!

Anyhow if the computer system needs to be, as some say, "relearned" is there anything I can do or is it a nissan service dept. only thing?!

Note that after the battery change my radio, personal mileage (not main mileage), time clock etc etc was all at zero.

Sorry if this is a repeat forum question. I suppose all situations are different. Would appreciate any past experience or feedback help!

Thanks a bunch!

[Phatty McPatty]

Engine mounts or fuel dampeners possibly? Don't know but I'm pretty certain it ISN'T a relearn symptom.

[ashajc]

So today the noise was even worse!!! ARGH! As it's been cooler I drove with the windows down and the A/C off, also to check if I can hear the knocking noise from outside aswell as the vibration inside.

So anyway as I pulled into my driveway I hear a really bad squeek and metal on metal sound on my rear brakes. I was very confused because the noise sounds like it's coming from the front engine compartment... anyhow I decided to go back up to Big O and get them to take a look.

I only had my rear brakes and roters done a year ago bear in mind! So this afternoon he took a look and said the calipers on the rear left wheel are bent! The wheel was scorching hot too. He looked further and the rubber tubing carrying some kind of break fluid is melting along with the brakes melting (apparently). He said that because the caliper is bent that this is likely to be the strange vibrating noise and it gets worse as it gets hot, which could explain why it doesn't happen with a cold or idle engine.

I know NOTHING about cars so this is was he told me. Doesn't know a cause as yet. I am having to leave the car there so they can get the parts in. He is going to do break tubing, calipers on both sides (to balance it out?!) provide new brakes (under warantee from last year) and do new roters for $500... OUCH.

I am very bedazzled because the vibration and noise really seemed like a drivers front side issue and not back left, but it kind of makes sense! Unless the whole 'new' and additional noise of the brakes today was a pure coincidence?! I guess time will tell and I will let you all know whether or not the noise goes away when I get it back tomorrow...

If you have any additional thoughts or comments let me know!

[Pilgrim]

You could probably profit from having another opinion.

- If you have a flexible brake line melting, then you definitely have a brake problem. the farther you drive, the hotter it would get.

- I've never seen a bent caliper, but if you hit something really hard, it could happen. Regardless, I'll bet the pistons in the caliper are frozen and not releasing, causing the pads to ride on the disc and generate heat.

- Replacing a caliper isn't a big deal. Don't buy a dealer part, buy a good aftermarket one.

- You do NOT need two calipers if the other rear one is operating properly. Replace only the bad one.

- You DO need new brake pads on both sides. they need to break in together.

- You MAY need rotors on both sides, depending on how worn the rotor is on the non-problem side.

- I very much doubt that the noise you hear is the brake, but you need to fix this problem immediately regardless. Get it taken care of, then find the noise and fix it.

If he can do one caliper, brake pads on both sides (with ceramic pads, factory items or equivalent) and rotors on both sides for $500, you're doing well.

[ashajc]

Ok, just a bit of follow up in case this happens to be a symptom for anyone else! (all comments and help appreciated btw).

So it's been 2days since the problem was 'fixed'. So far so good (except for a nail in the tire, which luckily didn't penetrate!). They guys at Big O were right, it was a damaged left rear caliper. I asked what it was exactly and he said "your rear left caliper was burnt out completely," didn't get too much of a specific answer, was it bent? cracked? what? But anyhow the problem has now seemingly been resolved. NO MORE ENGINE NOISE OR VIBRATION!

I would have been willing to put money on it that it was an engine problem causing the ticking and vibrating! Only had rear brakes done last year AND new tires put on in August, so surely they would have picked any of those issues up?!

Cause of caliper issue?! INCONCLUSIVE! I am wondering whether they did something wrong when they replaced my tires back in August?! I mean if the caliper was bent or out of shape then, surely they would have noticed? Or did I hit something on the road? Not that I know of...

This is what they did and how it was resolved as per invoice:

*Rear Brake Caliper x 2 (left and right)
* Brake Hose (Left and right)
* Brake Pads (rear brakes covered under warantee from last year, were completely burnt out too)
* Rear Disc Rotors
* Brake System Fluid Flush

Total cost: $452.27 inc. Taxes.

I think he undercharged me cos it was supposed to be $500, but I am not gonna complain!

In Summary the rear left caliper being bent or slightly touching the wheel caused the wheel to get very hot and burn the brakes. When hot the caliper would stick to the wheel (I think), causing excessive friction and hence the weird vibrating noise. Not sure if anyone else's problem with the vibrating has been because of this issue exactly? If so let me know, I would be interested. If the case, also wonder if it's something that is a wider issue and possible recall? Keep in mind that it's a 2006 Nissan Murano less than 45,000.

Thanks again have a nice day!