How do you tell what front brake part is going bad in a 1995 ford Ranger XLT?

My 95 Ford Ranger Xlt 4x2 just started to make a wierd noise when braking and the brakes feel like they are grinding while driving, how do I tell which part is going bad? This is the front end. I have new pads to put on it but am trying to make sure that I get it all done right.

The truck still stops great but that may be because of the rear brakes which are newer.How do you tell what front brake part is going bad in a 1995 ford Ranger XLT?if your truck is grinding while you are stopping, check out the rotors , they should be smooth on both sides if one of them is not (ie: having gouges in the face of one side or the other or both ) you should replace the rotor.



i would check the thickness of rotors as well



remember one thing when replacing the brake pads always get the glazing off of the rotors before installing the new pads this is done so that the new pads seat into the rotors causing better braking



one other thing check for leaks around caliper pistons, broken rubber boots (if you have not done a replacement of calipers i would think of replacing them) also check hoses for cracking.How do you tell what front brake part is going bad in a 1995 ford Ranger XLT?Your pads are worn out. You might have to have the rotors turned if they are grooved. You won't know for sure until you tear it down.