Escape making grinding noise when braking, getting worried

  • My 2019 Escape has started making a grinding sound when I brake, especially at low speeds coming to a stop. It's not constant, more like a rotational grind that matches wheel speed. I had the pads checked about six months ago and they were fine, so I'm not sure if it's the pads wearing down faster than expected or something with the discs. I work near ICAD and I've seen expert Ford service and repair near ICAD mentioned, so I might take it there for a proper look. But before I do, is grinding always a sign the pads are metal on metal, or can it be something else like a stuck caliper or a stone lodged somewhere? I don't want to ignore it and end up needing new discs as well as pads.