Brake Issues with 98

I am new here and having a lot of issues with my 98 Tracer (the Escort's Twin). About a year ago I had the normal sounds that my front brakes needed replacing so a friend of mine along with myself replaced them. I bought the most cheapest set of brakes I could find since at the time I couldnt afford anything better. I noticed not long after that there was a constant noise in the front driver side wheel. I have had a couple of mechanics look at all the front end and never could find a problem that would cause such a racket. Recently the noise has gotten more troublesome and has gotten me quiet worried. Here is the issues with the brakes .... I will try to brake it down:

- Removed the brake pads on the driver side found they were wearing in a odd uneven fashion which I feel is not normal?

- at times the brake pedal is spongy while other times it almost too touchy.

- the noise started out with a constant grinding noise (louder than usual) then proceeded to a odd squeaking/grinding noise - reminded me almost of a baby bird!! now is real loud metal clicking againts metal. As always the sound and the feel of brakes get worse when appling around curves.

I have thought even though I have a lot of brake pad left on these brakes about changing them again. I am not sure if there is something else I should check? Also a note is that I dont have ABS brakes - Just regular braking system.

Any information on what to check or do would be appreciated!

that grinding sound almost always means some type of metal on metal grinding, sound like the pads are worn again. i know you just replaced the pads but your brake caliper may be sticking? if so then your new pads wouldnt last real long... the high pitched noise is normal tho, that means your brakes need replacing like u already said. but see if that caliper is frozen, if it makes the sound when the brake isnt pushed in at low speeds, like idleing speed in an auto, then the caliper is probably stuck and needs replacing.

Yea the caliper sticking is a common problem. BUT the spring that pushes the brake pads out off the disc can be broken. Happened to my escort, it kept grinding and making weird noises. I then looked at the brakes, and saw nuthing wrong. But the nose persisted and i inspected the whole assembly with a reference diagram showing all parts. That is when i realized the spring broke. I got a replacement, and it is fine now. That may not be the case, but could save u lots of time if u checked it.

that grinding sound almost always means some type of metal on metal grinding, sound like the pads are worn again. i know you just replaced the pads but your brake caliper may be sticking? if so then your new pads wouldnt last real long... the high pitched noise is normal tho, that means your brakes need replacing like u already said. but see if that caliper is frozen, if it makes the sound when the brake isnt pushed in at low speeds, like idleing speed in an auto, then the caliper is probably stuck and needs replacing.

Id start with replacing the calipers its common on any car. BTW if you got lifetime pads you may be able to return them for replacement.

did you ever solve your problem with your car?? i have a 98 escort se and it is doind the same thing to a T. i have had 3 brake jobs done and it still does the squeaking and sometimes grinding. i read and I was about to replace the calipers but i am wondering if that was the actual fix for the problem at hand.

caliper! if the piston in the caliper is seizing up, it will always stick out when pushed out, causing grinding and whatnot.