Brake squealing? It might not be your pads — a stone could be stuck in your caliper. See what we found in our Newtownabbey garage and how we fixed it fast.
Not all brake noises mean your brake pads are worn out. One of the most common causes of sudden brake squealing is surprisingly simple — a stone caught in the brake caliper.
At 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey, a customer came in with what sounded like serious brake wear. But once we stripped the brakes down, we discovered a small stone lodged between the caliper and the carrier. Quick fix, no parts needed, and the car was back on the road in no time.
If you hear a high-pitched squeal when braking, your first thought might be worn brake pads. While that’s often the case, it’s not always the cause.
Common causes of brake squealing include:
Dust, dirt, or debris in the brake system
A small stone trapped in the caliper
Uneven brake pad wear
Rusty or glazed brake discs
Faulty anti-rattle clips or shims
Our mechanics at 1Stop Motor Shop always carry out a full inspection to diagnose brake noise issues properly, rather than jumping to replace parts unnecessarily.
In this case, a sharp stone was wedged tightly within the brake caliper and carrier. The result? A constant grinding and squealing noise every time the driver applied the brakes.
It’s a common problem on local roads around Newtownabbey and Belfast, especially after driving through gravel, construction zones, or back roads.
Once removed, the brakes were silent — no damage to pads or discs.
Don’t ignore brake noise. Even if it’s just a stone, it’s best to get it checked early before it causes damage to your brake discs or pads.
Book in with our Newtownabbey garage if you notice:
Squealing, squeaking, or grinding noises
A pulling sensation when braking
Brake warning lights on your dashboard
Reduced braking performance
At 1Stop Motor Shop, we offer:
Free brake inspections
Brake pad and disc replacements
Full brake servicing and diagnostics
Fast turnaround and honest advice
Whether you need new brake pads or just a stone removed, our team will give you a clear, no-pressure diagnosis. Get in contact with one of our trusted mechanics in Newtownabbey, Belfast, today!
Trusted by drivers across Belfast - how to contact us:
- Call/WhatsApp (phone and text): 07951 728365
- DM our socials (Facebook & Instagram)
- Email: OneStopMotorShop@hotmail.com
- Contact us via our website
