Very loud high pitch sound when applying the brakes

1995 FORD ESCORT
99,000 MILES • 1.9L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MITCHLOVIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I stop slowly I hear a very loud high pitch sound, very embarrassing. Do not like it at all. I did a little research and found out that my brake pads are cheap poop. I tried break cleaner just to try, nothing. I love this car. Not even 100,000 miles yet.
Jul 22, 2018 at 10:01 PM
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DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny.

Yes, sometimes brakes can squeak due to a build up of brake dust, but its sounds like you tried to spray cleaner on it. Most brake pads are built in with a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the brake pad wears to a certain point, this indicator makes contact with the brake rotor and makes this continuous high pitched squeak. That usually means the brake pad material is getting low and it will soon be time for a replacement. I suggest to take a front and rear wheel off and check the condition/level of the brake pads.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions if needed. Thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Jul 23, 2018 at 1:14 AM
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MITCHLOVIN
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Kewl beans! Thanks. I forgot to say my brakes are just fine, to what the mechanic I go to says, I think he is BSing me! (Big time!) I took my car to Pep Boys to get a free brake inspection, they said my back brakes are bad and need to be replaced. I want to do it myself, but it is so hot here in Phoenix, AZ. If I do anything I have to do it in middle of the night here. Ia m a computer nerd, not a mechanic. I do not know much about vehicles. I know a lot about electrical system, but that is about it. Wish I had money. Ugh!
Jul 23, 2018 at 6:31 PM
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DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.
Yes, I know about that heat! I lived in Phoenix, AZ for a year. Feel free to ask us any questions if needed and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Jul 23, 2018 at 8:15 PM