2000 Ford Focus - Front End Problem

My car makes a grinding/popping noise when driving that worsens when I go over bumps and that completely stops if I even touch the brakes. When I accelerate, the noise speeds up as well. I took it to a mechanic about three months ago and he said it was a loose bumper and that he secured it. After leaving, the noise got louder and happened more often. Sometimes the noise doesn’t happen, while other times it does. My dad changed my front brake pads about a month ago so it can’t be those. Is it possible that it is still my bumper making the noise? If so, I don’t understand why it would stop when I brake.

Sounds like the CV joints in the axles. Not dangerous, but eventually will leave you stranded.