Mitsubishi Repair: Noises, brake job, metal tab

Question
I hear a grinding noise coming from the front off-side wheel whenever I brake. It sounds like metal on metal. This does not occur everytime I brake but is becoming more frequent. Also, I do not hear the noise until the car has almost come to a stop. Could you advise if this is a problem with the brakes or is lubricant needed somewhere? Is it easily fixed by a novice?

Thankyou

Answer
Trevor,
It may be your brake pad wear indicators touching the rotor.  As the brake pads wear down, there is a little metal tab that scrapes along the rotor.  It's a typically a high-pitched or grinding noise.  It does this to indicate to the driver that the brake pads need replacing.  A grinding noise can also indicate the rotors are worn down very far and need to be replaced.  If it's been over 5 years since your last brake job (pads and rotors), have them checked.  You may be able to just get away with replacing the brake pads and just having the rotors smoothed out.  But if the rotors are overly worn, they should be replaced too.  On most cars nowadays, it's not too expensive to have the brakes replaced.  Any mechanic can do it.  If you're willing to get your hands dirty and you have a repair manual for your car, this is a job you may be able to do yourself.  You just need a jack, jack stands and couple of wrenches.  Doing the job yourself can save you a lot of money.  But if you don't feel confident, have a regular mechanic take a look at the brakes.  You do not need to have a dealership do this for you.
Good luck!