Ford Repair: Brakes on 98 Ford Contour, ford contour, rear brakes

Question
A couple of weeks ago, my car began making a noise from what sounded like the front left axle.  It occured upon start up, just after the car was put into gear and began moving.  It was a grinding-type sound that lasted for about 1 second.  It only occured just after startup and movement (forward or reverse.)  Not any other time after the car had been driven around.  For example, it wouldn't occur after the car was parked and put back into gear to move again.....Only after initial startup.  Anyway...last week it finally stopped making that embarrasing noise but as it stopped making it, the ABS light came on and has stayed on since.  I assume I need the brakes checked out and that noise was coming from the front left brake on the wheel.  Also, when I make a sharp right turn, I here some slight grinding noise.  I haven't had a chance to take the car in for evaluation yet but in the meantime, the brakes seem to work fine.  My question is what exactly is it and what is the potential cost of repair.  My car is a 98 Ford Contour SE with 92,000 miles on it.  it seems as though I've had brakes work done on the front before but it must have been a while ago because I couldn't find any receipts for the work going back 3 or 4 years.  I had the rear brakes completely redone last fall.
Thanks in advance!
BOB

Answer
Hi Bob,
Contours have a problem with the left front motor mount (or trans mount), It lets the trans sit on the frame causing all the noises you hear.You can look through the wheel well just in front of your left front tire. You should be able to see the trans sitting on the frame.  
The ABS light is another problem. The only way to tell what is causing it is to have your mechanic pull the code from the ABS computer. While you are there have them inspect your brakes just to be safe.
You don't need to have everything fixed all at once, but get it checked just to be safe. Prices vary depending on the problem.GOOD LUCK.

Jeff
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