High pitched squeel

[lefty67]

This weekend my van has developed a high pitched squeal but cant make out what the problem is. Van is 2l cu.
Started Friday on the way to Wales, very intermittent at first but today on the return was fairly constant.
Seems to occur when travelling in excess of 30mph but disappears if slightly steer to the right or if slightly touch the brake, also didn't occur during last 10 mile of journey after I had been sitting in slow moving traffic.
Wandering if it could be a wheel bearing or a brake binding? difficult to pinpoint the exact area when driving, its definitely not engine related and don't think its clutch or gearbox both seem very good.
Thanks for any input

[colinthefox]

It's the brake pads rubbing very lightly on the discs. Mine used to do it especially in dry weather, but since the pads have worn a bit, it doesn't happen any more. Damned annoying though.

Make sure the anti-rattle springs are intact, and have a good grip on the pads, and coat the back of the pads with copperslip or similar.

[123-jn]

some pads have a squeal strip embedded in the lining which starts to squeal as the pad nears minimum thickness. Its a wear indicator of the crude kind.

[kevtherev]

It's the brake pads rubbing very lightly on the discs.

Make sure the anti-rattle springs are intact, and have a good grip on the pads, and coat the back of the pads with copperslip or similar.

Thats if the springs were fitted
but as said...copperslip.

[pionte]

quite often ' pattern ' or none genuine pads do this.... a good fix is to remove the pads and file the corner slightly, so instead of being a 90 deg edge its chamfered .Ive done this lots of times and it usually sorts them out Some pad manufacturers do this as standard.

[lefty67]

cheers for the help and good advice
going to have a look at weekend, renewing pads was on my to do list but if it could be a sign they are getting to their limit then might as well change them now rather than later. Also been out this morning and have noticed brake dust on the front n/s wheel, possible sign of sticking caliper also?
In general how long should brake pads last? I know this depends on driving style but the pads on my van have been on at least 5000miles to my knowledge