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This can be a difficult decision. If something doesn't seem right, you're better off checking on it rather than hoping it's O.K.
"If it ain't broke, why fix it"
-becuase it's your brakes and you life depends on them. There's a big difference between 'broke' and 'about-to-break.' If I were to suspect that some major issue might be around the bend, I would definitely reassess the situation until I am either satisfied with the current condition or have determined what needs to be repaired to avoid a catastrophic failure.
"curiosity killed the cat"
-I'm sure that many of us have been frustrated with some small part (while working on our Volvos) to the point that we're ready to kill the car. Also remember the rest of the rhyme, "satisfaction brought it back." A peaceful drive and a confidence in your well maintained car is a wonderful feeling, -rather than wondering if your brakes are about to fail.
As for assessing the current situation, I would try to rule out a failing flexible brake line. I'm assuming that you got the brakes to bleed clear, new, DOT4 fluid from the rear calipers with the help of your daughter. It would be worth your time to jack up the back end and look at the two flexible sections of the brake line where it makes the jump from the underside of the car body to the rear axle (you don't need to remove the rear wheels, but make sure that you support the car with sturdy jackstands). While inspecting the rubber brake lines, look for bulges, cracks, and unusual softness/stiffness especially near the ends where it joins the metal fittings. Gently bend them around a little to see if any problems suddenly appear.
After 14 years of faithful operation, the flexible brake lines on my '86 Pontiac 6000 began to constrict. It got to a point where I could force fluid through the lines by applying the brakes with the pedal, but the fluid would not return on it's own (due to the constricted rubber). This kept the brakes pressurized at about 35% and prevented me from driving (I had to wait about 10 minutes for the pressure to slowly subside before I could move the car). If you are replacing rear brake pads faster than normal, it would be worth your time to check your flexible brake lines.
God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
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'87 Blue 245, NA 225K
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