Scraping Brakes

[chrissa1]

When I break gently in the 15 year old Escort I am driving now there is a scraping noise that continues as I slow down without braking the noise continues. What's wrong?

[cazzz1975]

I would replace the brake pads...possibly the discs/ drums as well

[AlBags]

Drive along gently and with window open, pull the handbrake on a bit. If you hear the same scraping, it is the rear shoes worn past limits. Pick some up from eBay or Motor factors.
If no noise from rear or handbrake and you still get the noise with footbrake, get some front pads as above. If you have a pad wear light on the dash .. and it's flashing, make sure pads are with wear sensor wires. 1990 Escort is a Mk4 or early Mk5. Check this first.
Providing it's not an XR3/i or turbo, pads will be about £10 (or £15 wired) Shoes will be about £15, shoes vary according to engine size or XR/i/Turbo too.

[chrissa1]

Thanks both. It's not an XR3i, trust me, although I did have one of those in 1980 or 81. Lovely car.

[AlBags]

Lovely car ... then : )

[chrissa1]

True, true.

[Skids]

Could be something caught in the caliper and rubbing on the disc. I had a stone caught in mine once.

[johnk]

There may also be wear on the drum and the shoes are touching the unworn part of the drum. You can grind this off with a small grindstone in a drill. Best of luck