Hey, I've got a 97 ranger 4cylinder. I'm getting some loud squeeling that sounds like it's coming from one of my brakes. It's most prominent while in motion, not while braking, and it seems to stop when I get around 60mph. I'm pretty green when it comes to repairs and I haven't taken the wheel and drum off yet to check it out but I'm looking for some ideas of what the problem could be.

Also, this winter the emergency brake seized up a bit and a friend helped me get it loose... could that have put the calipers out of whack?

Thanks for the help.

 

Calipers are used for disc brakes, which you have on the front, rear brakes on '97 should be drum type, they use slave cylinders.
Yes, most likely the squeal will be from that stuck E-brake problem.

Drive slowly next to a concrete or block wall in both directions with both windows down, and see if you can hear which wheel has the problem.

Lots of good videos on checking and changing rear drum brakes

 

Could be as easy as a small stone or debris between the pad and disk in the front or in the rear drum. If you do any off-roading and hit mud or puddles, it's an easy thing to do. Try driving a few yards in reverse and depress the brake quickly. This usually is a good technique to remove junk like that.

Mind you, it could also be as simple as the brake pad wear indicator scratching the rotors, in which you need new pads.

Rangers are also notorious for the e-brake sticking and seizing. I've replaced mine several times over the years as well as the cylinders in the drums......they are just junk and seize all the time.

Welcome to RF btw!!