2000 Ford Windstar

Noises problem
2000 Ford Windstar Front Wheel Drive Manual 98000 miles

I know I need new brakes. But a new problem has developed; the car steers fine but sometimes makes a kind of grinding noise when I turn at slow speeds (meaning my brakes are generally on). Only one day was it quite loud. Ever since then, it's not super loud, just kind of quiet grinding. Also, as a driver, it just doesn't feel super smooth to me under the front wheels; it seems to make some squeaking or unpleasant noise when I go over small bumps, etc. Can old brakes be causing all of this or do I have a larger problem. What should I ask to be examined? Thank you.