so i was hearing some metal-on-metal noise from the rear right side of the car.. kinda figured it was time to replace the brakes.

i changed out the pads on both rear brakes and found something odd. the left pads were down to about.. eh.. 1/2 was left. on the right side, the outside pad was 1/2 left and the inside pad had a couple millimeters left - almost down to the metal.

so, my question is, what would have caused that one pad to be so badly worn?

If the sliding ways on the caliper are not lubricated at least once a year you will get this kind of wear. It is caused when the caliper does not retract after braking causing the inside pad to drag on the inside rotor surface and wear.

When I changed mine I caught it just in time. It was worn down until there was less than one mm. Just a very thin wafer of pad left.

lubricate them? once per year? uh-oh.... I know of someone'* that needs checking.

I know that many of the dealers send out notices to those in the rust belt that recommended service is to bring the vehicle in every year for brake lubricating. That'* for those who buy their vehicles new.

Very simple thing to do, and can save you a few bucks and frustration down the road...