My brakes on my 97 xlt occasionaly "squeal." It only seems to happen when we have a drastic change in temperature. Like 95 one day, and 75 at night. They seem fine once they get warmed up, but I'm not sure if I need new pads or not. Maybe condensation builds up. If I need new front brakes, what should I expect to pay for them. Thanks

front pads usually run about $60....rotors are around that each also.....what kind of pads are in there now? the reason i ask, is that at my work we install the Raybestos "Red Ones" (i dont know the exact name) but the red paint has a tendency to cause squel.....so before we install them, we wire wheel the paint off..... if the squek isnt constant, i would lean towards some other problem than being worn out.. if you cant inspect them yourself, take it to a chain shop... a lot of them offer free brake inspections, or refund the price of inspection if you do the work through them...

For what it is worth and in the absence of anything else that is major:
I always put anti-squeal compound on disc brake pads when I do a brake job and have never had squealing problems. IN SPITE of anti-squeal shims, la te da... la te da
The problem: you should let the stuff set up....that's time....and its a "hurry up" world. Isn't it?

I am not sure what type of brakes they are. The dealer has done all the work. Thanks for the input.

Squeal can be caused by

1) dirt on the pads and/or rotors (use brake parts cleaner spray!)
2) worn brake pads
3) maybe other stuff I can't recall

I'm not sure if this is a little trick or if it's part of the standard procedure, but with 91-94's you gotta put the caliper slide grease on the BACK of the inner pad, coat it lightly but thoroughly. This is often not done but it can prevent squeal and lengthen life of pads. I always change the pads on my truck and always do this, and never get squeal.