Bearing noise when braking?

[Popinski]

My brake bads alot of life left and my car doesn't make any bearing noise when I'm driving at any speeds. however, it only makes a bearing-type noise when I brake. I can't think of the problem. I do need new ball joints if that has to do with anything.

1999 Ford Escort

 

[tomcat27]

I would not think that its bearings... ball joints usually make a "clunck"... perhaps its just the sound of the pads pushing on the rotors? sometimes rust can get between the metal dirt shield and the rotor and make noise. and are you sure there's plenty of pad left? I have been fooled many times thinking there's 1/4" left, but sometimes they wear unevenly and can be deceiving.

 

[Nick R]

Probably the rear drum brakes. Try this, in your driveway, go in reverse, pull the e brake on a bit and move and keep pulling it see if you can replicate the sound. My cavalier makes a rubbing/ugly sound when braking at low speeds. It is the rear drums.

 

[Kestas]

I was fooled a number of times thinking I had bad bearings, when the problem was with the pads, even though they had some life left in them. Corrosion may have played a part. New pads cured the problem.

 

[Popinski]

Thanks guys for the help. I did buy cheap brake pads at Autozone about 2 years ago. My brakes have about 30% life left. I'll change my brake pads with better quality pads and I'll check back.