3 "simple" car-repair questions:

[Indy_Guy_77]

#1) Is there a way to tell if brake pads on my car are OEM or replacements?

-I have 4-wheel disc brakes on my car. Two years ago, I had the pads and rotors replaced on all 4 corners. Upon a tire rotation the other day, the tech said that I only had about 10% or less on the driver REAR pads. He said that the front ones looked "just fine". When I had all 4 corners replaced, I had the rear ones done knowing that they were at roughly 40-50%. Now knowing that my driver-rear brake pads are now at 10%, I'm wondering if I didn't get hosed 2 years ago.

#2) At the time I was having my tires rotated...I was also in for an oil change. I asked the tech to look for evidence of an oil leak, as this was something that I would notice on the driveway after I'd parked on it (incline...engine "up", trunk "down"). He said that it looked to him like the oil pan gasket might be leaking. Is this an easy fix? I presume it to be... Related to this, is there a way to differentiate between an oil pan gasket leak and a rear main seal/gasket leak?

#3) Also noted on my car is a rack and pinion leak... The little boot that covers the parts (like the boot that covers the CV-joint) was oil/grime covered. Is THIS an easy fix?

Thanks folks. I appreciate it.

Vehicle in question 2004 Olds Alero GL 3.4L V-6 automatic Sedan

-J-