I have a 96 Ford Ranger . When driving forward , then applying the brakes I get a grinding noise. When driving in reverse and applying the brakes, everything is fine. I kept trying the brakes slowly forward and backward giving it a good "jab" thinking my calipers had locked . Can someone explain to me why my brakes only grind in in the forward direction?

 

your pads are bad, replace and re-cut rotors.

 

I would have thought it would grind in reverse also, that being said your pads are proably toast and grinding into the rotors. pull the tire off of the grinding wheel and look for scored rotrs on both sides

 

Thanks, I suspected rotors but couldnt understand the one -directional failure

 

Do you have drums in the rear?

I would look for wear there first.

 

All of you guys were on the mark. A bolt had fallen out of my caliper. Replaced bolt and reset caliper but 1 rotor is history. At least I can drive a small distance with no noise Will have to do a complete brake job but at least I know what I have to do.