CTMechE

Well, the brake job is done - turns out, the guy I bought the car from had already installed stainless braided brake lines, and I'd never noticed due to the dust on the sheathing (and because I rarely put a work light in the wheel wells). They appeared to be in good shape, so I left them in place.

Unfortunately, the driver's side front caliper piston and lower slide pin were both seized up, which turns out was the cause of premature inner pad wear, and the squealer sounding. I probably had at least another couple thousand miles left based on the pads on the other wheels had that not happened.

So I had to order a new assembly from the dealer, as I needed the caliper itself as well as a new bracket and slide pins. In hindsight, I should have known better than to think 15yo brakes would be problem-free. Next time I have a brake issue, I'm just going to order the other 3 calipers & brackets and replace them, too, as I'm sure they're just waiting to rust up. When Majestic sells a whole new (reman) caliper assembly for $82 (front) and a rebuild gasket/boot/shim kit for $21, I'd just as soon swap 'em out entirely.

Anyway, car is back on the road and stopping well, so I'm good to go for now!