I do not know the history of brake service on the car, and the fluid does need to be changed, but I cannot give any more info on the brakes themselves. I haven't done anything to them in the 25,000 miles I've had the car. The pedal feels fine and just recently I inadvertently engaged the abs... and everything worked just fine. I'm going to grease the pistons and change the fluid (along with the pads and rotors, I figure they're due regardless) and I guess I'll go from there.

In response to the other aspects - I don't know about the CV joints. If there are any tests that I could perform, I'm all ears. Someone else mentioned wheel bearings as the "whum whum" noise, but I don't want to replace them without being certain it's nothing else. Same goes for the CV joints. Although, the sound does not go away with different tires (I use winter tires) and it seems to be stronger when turning to the left. However, according to Bay 13, the wheel bearing is a high pitched noise that gets worse at higher speeds. Not a low "whum" only in turns. That's why I've been hesitant to think of that.

Also, I'm meaning to replace the upper strut mounts when I do struts all around. Speaking of which, what about the springs? Do those come with new struts and get replaced, or do they just stay on?

Thanks!