this past saturday evening, i went deer hunting with my uncle. i had to take my 2WD 98 Ranger into a lot of mud to get to where we were hunting. i guess this is kinda my fault because i knew there was mud, and i really wanted to get some mud on my truck, but after goin through all the mud my brakes make an awful crucnching noise when i brake decently hard. they stop just fine, but they sound like a fork in a garbage disposal. this sound continued after i cleaned off both of the front brakes (which are the ones that are making the noise), and cleaned off the undercarriage of the truck. any suggestions on how to make the sound stop, or at least make it quieter? Thanks for any input.

Cory
PS: this has happened before, and i have replaced the brake pads a few different times, and the rotors twice, and the sound never really stopped.

 

Caliper is stickin....

 

i have the same noise on mine

yesterday i took it to jiffy lube

they said my brake fluid was really low

 

You need to take off the wheels. Use jack stands and inspect each brake lining for any gravel or grit that may have gotten in there. I would suspect the drums to be more likely to catch something.
Other than that, you have a wear issue.

P.S. When's the last time you repacked the bearings?

 

Remove the brake shoes and ensure no grit inbetween the rotor and pad.

Also check the rear drums too.

 

Didn't I just say that?