What could cause a squeal at low speeds after replacing brake pads?

[James.J]

I just replaced my own brake pads for the first time, but now there’s a faint, high-pitched squeal that happens at very low speeds just before I come to a complete stop. I bedded them in as per the instructions, but I’m wondering if I missed a step with the shims or if a bit of grease got somewhere it shouldn't have.

[Mia_L]

That squeal at very low speeds after bed-in sounds familiar. Could be glaze on the pads or a tiny smear of grease on the pad backing or rotor face. A few gentle stops usually wear that off.

[AaronT]

I had something similar and poked at the shims, then wiped the rotor with brake cleaner and did a couple of slow stops. It quieted for a bit, then came back after a few rides.

[CamilaJ]

Do you think the real issue might not the pads at all but something else like a misaligned rotor or a caliper that isn’t retracting properly?

[SofiaZR]

I once chased squeaks for days and then found a tiny stone wedged near the rotor while spinning it slowly. Might be dumb luck, but it reminded me how small things can hide in there.