I did a search on the forums and couldn't find anyone with quite my problem, so here it is. I recently replaced my shocks and checked my brake pads while the wheels were off by pulling the caliper up (removing the lower bolt for the backs and the upper bolt for the fronts) and popping the pads out for a quick visual inspection. After reinstalling everything and retorquing to spec, I've been getting an awful squeal with the rear brakes. I can sometimes replicate it by turning the wheels by hand. It occurs intermittently with cold brakes and at low speeds. Once I get up to speed or the brakes warm up the squeal usually goes away. Sit at a light too long and the squeal is back.

Theories are abound, but I'm guess I managed to remove some of the lube on the pad ears/shims during inspection. The calipers and pistons looked okay, boots look okay, no pits or scarring on the pads/discs.

So that's my best guess, a sticking pad. Anyone else have a similar issue or know of any other cause for such a change?

 

You can still stop as good as ever, right? If so its likely just dust or the pads need to reseat again, get back in their groove as it were and are dragging a bit.

As long as it brakes well, take it out for a few hard stops to get everything set back where it wants to sit

 

I'll give that a shot. Yes, braking is still even and firm. I'll try a few more hard stops, but I'm guessing a good cleaning and regreasing will do wonders.