well thanks for that plethora of advice! THE WEAR INDICATOR TABS! when i replaced the breaks, I replaced brakes for the first time. Didn't even think of replacing those! Now the right side was worn more than the left side, and after i replaced the breaks, the indicators arnt being used anymore right? so would it be safe to say that the left side just never got far enough to make that noise? and when i drive against barriers on the left side of the car, i dont hear anything. its only on the right side.