I drive a 93 estort wagon and when i push the brake down i get a horrible grinding sound ive been told it was the brake pads but i thought i would see what others would have to say.

I agree with the brake pads. You will probably need to replace the rotors too since you hear such a grinding noise it is probably metal to metal. The pads and rotors don't cost alot and you can replace them yourself if you have some basic hand tools.

Go out to Advance Auto Parts, everything is in the store For rotors:

http://www.partsamerica.com/SelectParts.asp?SourceArea=&PartType=221&PTSet=A&Description=Brake+Drums+%26+Rotors&SourcePage=PartTypes&SearchFor=Disc%2FRotor

For pads:

http://www.partsamerica.com/SelectParts.asp?SourceArea=&PartType=219&PTSet=A&Description=Brake+Pads+%26+Shoes&SourcePage=PartTypes&SearchFor=Brake+Pad+%2F+Shoes%2C+Front

The whole job should cost under $60.

Go out and buy yourself a repair manual, it will explain how to replace the componants. It's relatively cheap and easy.