97 escort. With light brake application and a cold car they seem perfect, with heavy brake application, or after driving for about 5-10 minutes they sound almost like metal on metal. Driver side front. After releasing the brakes and a warm car it takes a while to go away. There is some pulsing to the sound and it is distinctly worse with a right turn. When it is bad you feel like something is about to fall apart it is so loud. I assumed that it must just be pads and ordered some. When I went to put them on, the old ones were only 1/2 gone, rotors seem decent. Checked other wheels too, all appear okay. Any ideas?

Thanks txgreesemmonky for the answer on my Civic BTW. I'll order up a ECT sensor.

Thanks

It sounds like you have a disc lateral runout (LRO) situation. Clean all rust from the hub and the back of the old disc, if you reuse it. Either have the discs machined or, preferably, replaced. Also, I recommend that you only use premium ceramic pads, such as Wagner ThermoQuiet. The situation may have its genesis in not previously removing, cleaning, and lubricating the caliper pins with silicone grease or in the type of pads installed (such as semi-metallic). It's a must that you do this. Afterwards, completely bleed the brake system, replacing the fluid with a Ford approved HB rated product (e.g. Valvoline).