The rear brake on my 2002 Fatboy has started squealing when applied hard. It does not squeal when applied lightly. The pads are almost new and the rotor does not show any signs of abnormal wear. The squeal sounds like metal on metal. Any thoughts ?

 

If they are new brake pads, it is most likely that the new pads still need to be broken in. The pads need to settle in to the rotor and in this process there will be more dust from the pads than normal.

If you think you have done enough miles for them to be settled in, hit it with some brake cleaner but avoid the pin that holds the pads in the caliper as it will have some lube on it.

If you have done that and there is still a squeal, I would take the caliper off and do a visual inspection just to make sure there is nothing foreign in there or nothing is out of place.

 

My new pads also squealed on my 02 Fatboy. Took the pads off and scuffed up the surface with 220 grit sandpaper. Also beveled the edges. No more squealing for the past 2000 miles.