My wife and I bought a set of 2004 Sportsman 400's. I know ... how cute !!
At any rate, she left her parking brake on and drove for 1.6 miles (I reset her odometer so I know this to be the case). She complained that it didin't want to "go" at which time, after over reacting, I saw the problem. The rear end was HOT (the right back disc was smoking - literally). At any rate after we all cooled down (machine included) we carried on. Everything seems fine except now she has an awful squeak about every third rotation of the wheel. It come from the back right tire (facing forward). IT goes away with speed but also when the machine goes through mud or water or any such thing. The back disc doesn't get hot or anything.

My question - is that the brake pad squeaking? the bearings (just an opinion - likely or not?), the rear shaft? Any ideas would be much appreciated. I've talked to others who say they have the squeak without the unfortunate brake-mistake! Anybody have similar problems?

Little Leroy in Canada's North
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Could the rotor be warped a little and rubbing on the caliper somewhere that would explain why it stops when wet or going fast, Try pulling the caliper off (on my bike it is very easy one pin) and look for possible shiny spots on the caliper or rotate the back wheels and watch the rotor. I found the rear pads wear out faster than the front and running with the brake on would speed things up

 

I agree, probably a warped disk, annoying but not dangerous or anything.

If you take the caliper off, check the brake pads, if they look discolored (have a 'burnt' color) consider replacing them. If the PADS are warped, it can cause the squeak, and new pads would help. If the disk is warped, new pads might or might not help.

Farmr