brake pads - BMW Forum

taylor · 12-14-2005, 06:16 PM

Do I need a sensor for brake pads? I'm having it done at a local shop, not the stealership. Thanks

BImmerN2B · 12-14-2005, 08:45 PM

Yes, only one for the front and one for the back. so 1+1=2 that is how much you will need brother.

bimmerboy328i · 12-14-2005, 09:22 PM

Yes, they are good to have.

4evrwyntr · 12-15-2005, 11:32 AM

You know, I didn't know that other vehicles don't have this simple necessity until a few weeks ago...

taylor · 12-16-2005, 05:59 AM

What if you don't put one in the new pads? Will the brake sensor light stay on?

Storamin · 12-16-2005, 10:27 AM

If the brake sensor light has come on, you need new sensors. If it doesn't come on and you replace the brakes, you can re use the old ones. The brake sensor will stay on until you replace it.

rej487 · 12-16-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

If the brake sensor light has come on, you need new sensors. If it doesn't come on and you replace the brakes, you can re use the old ones. The brake sensor will stay on until you replace it.

Now what kinda sense does that make? OH YEAHHHH... they don't call them the stealership for nothing! :lol:

Storamin · 12-16-2005, 01:45 PM

It's actually a pretty neat design. What happens when the brake pad starts to be used up, the sensor will get chewed up (I believe). So when it comes on, the sensor has been chewed up and you should replace it with a new one. It beats not having a sensor...

rej487 · 12-16-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

It's actually a pretty neat design. What happens when the brake pad starts to be used up, the sensor will get chewed up (I believe). So when it comes on, the sensor has been chewed up and you should replace it with a new one. It beats not having a sensor...

I never knew the sensor actually deteriorated as well... interesting...

4evrwyntr · 12-16-2005, 03:57 PM

I was always under the impression that you should ALWAYS replace the sensor... which would be explained by a chewed up sensor.

rej487 · 12-16-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4evrwyntr

I was always under the impression that you should ALWAYS replace the sensor... which would be explained by a chewed up sensor.

Well, my bimmer is my first and I've never had to change the breaks. Bought my car from a grandma with 76,000 (1993) and they are still thick as can be

///M Power · 12-16-2005, 05:53 PM

You SHOULD reaplce the sensor. Somehow on my e34 I got away with not changign the sensor out of prue stupidity. I forgot to order the sensors and was lazy and just installed the new pads. Soemhow the sesor did not stay lit and was in decent shape apparently.

tomctx · 12-17-2005, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4evrwyntr

I was always under the impression that you should ALWAYS replace the sensor... which would be explained by a chewed up sensor.

The sensor has a plastic coating on it. When the pads get thin enough, the rotor rubs off the plastic coating. The inside is metal, which makes contact with the rotor, which lights the "wear" light. If it is not too chewed up, you can reuse it. However, if you're not comfortable with reusing, they are cheap to replace.