There are metal tabs on the brake pads that contact the rotor when the pads wear down. My guess is that you have a pad that is worn and the metal tab is in contact with the rotor. It would make a loud noise when breaks are applied and minimal contact when driving.

 

Just replaced front and rear pads on my 06/ awd and never heard the warning scrapers . Two of the front pads were worn to the thickness of two sheets of paper. Some times bushings make noise because of the change in weather .

 

ike.....I can only relate to you my limited experience.

I developed a sweak/groan in the front end on my 07 at just 27,000 miles, driver's side.

Yes, every time I applied the brakes. It was especially noticeable coming to a stop, either after going forward or backward. Very noticeable in the driveway. When moving straight or turning. Then I noticed the noise when pulling into strip malls, etc., wherever the pavement was elevated from the street I was travelling on, even when the brakes were not applied

The commonality: the noise was evident every time there was front suspension travel. More prevalent just when reaching a stop when moving forward......like stop signs or in the driveway.

The solution: turned out the bushings in one, the other, or both of my lower control arms were worn and the dealer replaced both lower control arms (and hence the bushings) under warranty. Noise was gonzo!

Hope this helps you narrow down the squeak/groan source.

 

thanks for the tips - it's due in for service next week so we'll see what they find

 

Front lower control arms. The bushings go bad amd make that awful creak with brakes applied through dips / bumps.

 

is there a chance that this type of noise could be caused by sub-standard brake material?

 

Sometimes you can access if the noise is related to suspension bushings by squirting soapy water or non-petroleum base lubricant such as silicon spray on them. If it works generally results are only temporary but will give a clue if the bushing is the noise source.
I haven't checked on the SRX but on my Envoy the bushings are not replaceable as a separate item but are part of the control arm.

 

I just got a squeak in my SRX repaired (Warranty Claim #1) that turned out to be an upper, strut mount. Over bumps and especially when turning full right, it would squeak loudly. All fixed and the Caddy is quiet again!