Can stones in brake pads come out on their own?
2 Answers
Stones in brake pads can come out on their own. If a stone gets into the brake pad, it is necessary to check whether the gap between the brake pad and the brake disc is too large. If the gap is too large, you can go to a repair shop to have a professional adjust the distance between the brake pad and the brake disc. Once the distance is reduced, the probability of stones entering the brake disc will be greatly reduced. Under normal driving conditions, the service life of the front brake pads is generally 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, while the rear brake pads last about 120,000 to 150,000 kilometers. The exact replacement time depends on the specific wear condition. Different vehicle models may have varying mileage standards set by manufacturers. When replacing brake pads, it is advisable to choose products from reputable manufacturers. Typically, brake pads produced by reputable manufacturers have clear packaging prints, including the license number, specified friction coefficient, and execution standards. The packaging box should also contain a certificate of conformity, production batch number, and production date. It is recommended to have new brake pads installed by professionals at a specialized repair shop to avoid errors and potential safety hazards.
That day when I was driving on a mountain road, I did encounter a clicking sound from the brakes and initially thought it was some major issue. Later, the mechanic said it was most likely a small stone stuck in there. These tiny pebbles love to get wedged between the brake pads and rotors, especially after driving on gravel roads. Annoying, right? Actually, there's no need to panic in such situations. Before getting out of the car, remember the position—it's usually the front wheels. If the sound isn't too loud, you can slowly reverse a few meters and then gently apply the brakes to use inertia to shake the stone loose. That’s how I fixed it last time. But if the noise persists, don’t push your luck—head straight to a repair shop and have them use a professional hook to remove it. Otherwise, you risk grinding grooves into the brake rotors, and that’d be a costly mistake.
