They probably are... unless you got one of those lifetime warranty deals on the pads...they are just cheapy pads and squeal alot .It's possible the pads are fine in thickness, but have glazed over and hardened, which he wouldn't know if he didn't completely remove them. When was the last time they were replaced?Okay, well then I'd probably say it's time, since you don't know when they were last done, you should at least have a full brake inspection done....Find a good mechanic who will go on a test drive with you to hear exactly what you are talking about. He will know where to start looking for the problem!