So, I went for a ride in the rain the other day, brakes worked perfectly. Other than the expected squeal when they are wet, I had a wonderful time. Today I took a ride to the store and wham bam! my rear brake squeals really, and I mean REALLY loud. When I got home I rubbed the rear rotor (thats the one thats making the noise, oddly enough) with rubbing alcohol and baked the pads for while. When I put the wheel back on, it seemed as though the squeal got louder. Any suggestions?

Anybody?

What are the brakes?

bb7's

Are they relatively new? Have you worn through a pad (probably not since you took them off and looked at them and didn't mention anything)? Did the sound eventually stop, or did it squeal every time you braked? Are your pads aligned properly with the rotor? Make sure they are parallel to the rotor. Maybe you accidentally got some oil-substance on the pads. Did you bake them on a cookie sheet that had cooking oil on it? Some more info would really help. Maybe do some tests with braking force, moisture conditions etc.

Some people say to rub some mud on your rotors to stop a squeal, assuming correct alignment. I personally have never tried this, but then again my brakes have never given me any problems.

Do this and your pads are gonna be hosed quickly.

I'd go with light sandpaper before this. maybe steel wool the rotors. also make sure everything is tight

I can't imagine this would hurt them much. I know for a fact that I've had mud caked on my rotors while riding, and thus probably had mud get onto the pads. Anyway, the sanding is probably a pretty good bet. And if that doesn't work, what else do you have to loose? rub some dirt on there, you'll probably end up getting different pads anyway if the squealing continues.

Does anybody know if organic vs ceramic pads make a difference?

Lets see... no, they are not new. I have not worn through a pad, The sound did not stop, yes, they are aligned with the rotor/parallel to it. I did not bake them on a cookie sheet, I put them pad facing up on a piece of tin-foil. I just hurt my knee today, so I will do some tests when i can actually walk a bit.