Squealing Noise

Hi Guys,

New to the forum, so first post.

A few months back I purchased a 2nd hand Mondeo Estate, 52 plate. It had been very well looked after by the previous owner and runs very quietly and well.

However, a few weeks ago we went out for the day. Only 20 or so miles up the road but I had 5 people in the Car. On the journey home, I noticed an odd noise when braking & when pulling away in 1st gear.

The next day, I took the dog out in the car, not too far and it didn't do it.

Since then we went on a longer trip up to North Devon. The Car was fully loaded with 3 adults, our 7 year-old and a boot full of luggage.

When we got to within about 30 mins of arriving, I noticed the noise when stopping at a junction. It gradually got worse but only happens when braking or pulling away in 1st gear. This time though it was a proper squeal.

We got to the caravan site & to drive over the humps, I put it into 1st gear. The squeal then became constant, until I either stopped the Car or engaged another gear.

I left it overnight, used it the next day for a 20 minute drive & didn't hear anything.

It seems to happen only when braking/stopping (if I brake in 3rd gear etc.... you don't hear it) in 1st gear and when pulling away in 1st gear. It's not a constant noise, as I've driven the car down the motorway after hearing it and not heard it. It also seems to only happen if the car is under load or if it's been used for over half an hour.

Any ideas before I take it to the garage? It's not a desperate thing as like I said, it's not a constant noise. Just a bit annoying not knowing what it is.

Cheers.