Nissan Repair: Nissan Micra 1999 Brake problem, rear pad, spring clip

Question
Hi,

My 1999 Nissan Micra has recently developed a problem with the driver side (being British that's the right side) front brake. After driving for a while the brake starts to make a noise (ringing/scraping) which seems (but not sure) to depend on how I'm steering the car at the time. On stopping it smells of burning brake pad. I've had the caliper off and the rear pad has a groove worn in to the inside edge but the rest of the surface looks fine. I've given the disc a good clean and tested the piston and it all looks ok, but the problem is persisting. The other (outside) brake pad is fine. Any suggestions would be appreciate. The car is otherwise braking normally.

Thanks
Dave.

Answer
David,

Sounds to me like the caliper is sticking.  That is, the piston is sticking out and not retracting, it retracts just a little when you release.  Now, it could be the piston or the sliders on the caliper itself.  Also, if the pads have the noise clip installed, and like most Nissan's there is a spring clip to keep the pad retracted make sure it is installed correctly.  Next, purchase caliper slider grease.  This is some very high temperature stuff that comes in small packets.  I lived in England for a few years and the one problem I found with brakes is corrosion.  It was like living in Florida with the salt air and rain.  Anyway, make sure the slides are clean and libricated.  Being the front, right side, I am pretty sure you do not have a crushed brake line, as it is not below the body in it's path to the caliper.  If the car is ABS equipped there might be an obstruction.  Email be back if you need more.