Strange Disc Brake Noise

[hypster]

The rear brake on my 2006 Enduro has developed a strange, fluctuating grinding/squealing sound whenever I brake. I discovered the rear rotor was loose last week and thought this might be the problem but it's still there.

This happens any time I brake. The front is nearly silent. I did notice the rear brake was rubbing at the same time I found the rotor issue. Any thoughts?

[Slider]

First, make sure it isn't metal on metal. If there's still some pad left, try cleaning the rotor with alcohol or some other non-oily solvent. I've used the orange-based stuff and it works OK.

Just about anything can contaminate the rotors. They need regular cleaning.

Slider

[hypster]

Thanks Slider,

I cleaned the rotor several times, jiggled the pads with a (taped) screwdriver to reseat the pistons and re-centered the caliper. It's not perfect but seems to be a lot better than it was. The pads don't seem too worn (I've only ridden the bike 5 times) but I do tend to (over) use the rear brake so that might be part of it too.

[Slider]

Just a thought, but make sure the nuts holding the rotor on are tight. Might be some vibration if not.

Slider