I've got a 96 grand am, our cars are pretty much the same. The brakes have been pulling a number on me ever since I owned the car, the brakes on these things HAVE ISSUES!! I have to replace my pads every year too. Your mechanic has to know what he's doing cuz these cars are a pain to deal with at times. The squeal could be because the brakes weren't installed properly, or as i said before cuz the pads are worn out. I think it's prob. worn out again i wouldn't be surprised. Does the braking feel different, do u have to push pretty hard when you slow down? Details like that could help diagonses what's wrong?