So when i come to a slow stop I hear what sounds like metal scratching from the front left wheel. The front brakes are new and only maybe 1,000 miles on them. This noise just started to happen today. I haven't had a chance to actually jack the car up to take a peep, but wondering what you guys might think? Oh yeah its a 2002 TL-S w/167,000 miles on her

 

Hmm...I'd take a close look at the sliding clip. It might not be properly seated and grinding on the rotors.

 

sliding clip?

 

The pads sit on a smooth metal clip that allows it to slide in and out, when the brakes are applied/released. You'll see them at the top and bottom of the pads.

 

It might be the dust cover/metal piece behind the rotor that might have gotten bent. The only way to really tell is to jack the car up, take the wheel off and look at the piece of metal from either the front or rear and see if it appears straight.

 

did you do the brake job?- how were the rotors- what brand pads- cleaned old pad material off used rotors before new pads went on?
what about cleaned and relube the end slider tabs and plates the pad moves across when in use?
and lube the pad backs on inner and outer pads where contact is made with caliper when in use?
use brake caliper grease- synthetic last longer- a year before needs replacement

 

^ With this issue you should hear the sound even without the brakes being applied. If you only hear the sound when braking, this won't be the problem.

 

its possible to bend the noise maker tab on inner pad, making it too close to the rotor during braking

pull those and inspect