Just had new front pads installed -- originals lasted 70K miles. The rear seems to be making noise but still grab. Can anyone tell from this pic if they need replacement? What's up with the weird "tan" banding in the pad?

 

Looks like you've still got plenty of pad material to me. The color is just rust/dirt from the rotors.

To be sure, pull the pads out and measure the thickness of the remaining material. If it's over 2-3mm, you still have enough life left in them.

 

I've notice that rear pads wear slow... I've heard that it'll take at least 2 or 3 front pads, before you need to replace the rear pads

 

pads look fine buddy...i wouldnt worry about it

 

That's only 1/4 of the story.. you have to inspect the other side, usually the piston side wears more. Pad's don't always wear evenly. I have no idea about that banding.. either pad material related or dirt.

 

X2 on checking inner and outer to make sure they are floating freely and wearing evenly. as the piston pushes out, it will suck the outer one in as it pushes the inner one out. that is as long as they are floatling freely and not bound up in any way. your outer looks fine though.