it was definitely the caliper, took an hour for caliper and pads, and 30 mins to change the pads on the other side, i was shocked to see how little the pads had worn down considering there was smoke billowing from it and was trying to seize. but its now pulling to the right on braking but i figure its gotta bed the the new pads and upset disk.
but..
i lowered the car and heard a crack ... something hit the screen a week or so ago..