12-20-2021, 04:36 PM
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#1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: CA
Posts: 3
Vehicle: 1988 Hardbody V6 4x4
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Brake Leak
I have a 1988 Hardbody 4x4 with the v6. Lately I've noticed braking was making a creaking sound and felt like the pads were biting towards the end of a stop. My pedal was pretty much hitting the floor as well and very mushy. I ended up bleeding the brakes the other day and it helped with the braking, however I still get the groaning/biting towards the end of a stop or on a hard brake. Yesterday I also noticed brake fluid on the bottom of the driver side caliper. Anyone know what the problem might be? Do I need new calipers? I can also smell a burning plastic/rubber smell coming from the engine bay (not the brakes), although im not sure this is related as I also have a rear main seal leak as far as I can tell.
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12-20-2021, 05:39 PM
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#2 |
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Port Orchard, WA
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Welcome to the site.
Several things could make brakes groan or grab. Does it do this through out the drive or when you 1st drive? How old are the pads? Do the rotors/drums need to be turned? Are the pads/shoes glazed? The fluid on the caliper, is that from bleeding them? Or is/are the caliper/s starting to leak?
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12-20-2021, 06:19 PM
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#3 |
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the Flaming Marshmallow
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Laurel, MS
Posts: 2,099
Vehicle: '86.5 Nissan HB KC 4x4 5.3V8
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Brake fluid on the pads might do it, but gear oil leaking into the rear drum/s will definitely make them creak and grab.
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12-20-2021, 06:58 PM
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#4 |
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: N.E. Kansas
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Vehicle: 1990 Nissan Hardbody
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Get thee and thine truck to a brake shop, slowly/carefully, and soon. Time for a major going-through, and likely a major brake system overhaul.
It's only your and others' lives that are on the line ... :-{
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Original owner
1990 Nissan Hardbody, Aztec Red Standard cab, 4x4, KA24E, 5-speed Intentionally near-stock  Mods: Second OEM horn, stereo/speakers/sub, mud and snow tires, HD trailer hitch (cat 3+), liquid bed liner, G1W dashcam Definitely not for sale!  |
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12-21-2021, 02:21 AM
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#5 |
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Software Developer
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Longview, TX [USA]
Age: 52
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Vehicle: 94 LB 2x4 Manual VG33e
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I don't know much about brakes, but you didn't mention checking the brake pads.
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Factory Service Manuals: https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Hardbody/ Walk-through: Checking Nissan Trouble Codes 1994 VG30E to VG33E with H256 Cams  |
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12-22-2021, 02:01 PM
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#6 |
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Tallahassee
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Find where the fluid is leaking from FIRST. this could be the root of the problem, OR have absolutely nothing to do with it. ANY fluids on the pads while breaking is not good and could give the symptoms you described. Also cheap pads tend to groan, as mentioned, glazed pads/rotors could cause this. A "glazed" pad or rotor will have a shiny, almost mirror or glass sheen to it. FYI: pads and rotors should have a dull finish, not shiny at all. Check all hoses and bleeder screws. Check for collapsed or swollen hoses. If you buy all the parts, a complete break job on these trucks are affordable and fairly simple to do. Any fluids coming from the drums? Check the wheel cylinders for leaks. This could also cause the symptoms you describe.
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