Rear Brakes

[tiremann34]

used I need to do rear brakes on my car and i was wondering if i really should replace the sensor. Or if there is any special tool required. I plan to use just BMW pad and rotors.

[Speedy-325is]

nothing special is needed except for an allen/hex wrench and basic brain/motor skills. replacing the sensor is very recommended because pulling it off can break it so easily and u may never notice till the light turns on.
its only 12 bucks so u might as well do it while u r there.

just be careful w/ the clip on the outside of the caliper, they snap in 2 if u force them too much...

Mark

[Bear]

Agree, it is an easy job. Brake sensors are inexpensive, I have done this both ways (replace /reinstall). As previosly stated be very careful removing the sensor from the pad (I use a small acrewdriver to start the sensor moving up) and it is then easy to grasp and remove for reuse. Also, gently reset the sensor in the pad, do not use too much pressure.

[jllphan]

Yeah it's easy enough, there is a great DIY in the DIY section of the site, that's what it's there for.

My question is why do you mention rear only? Your front pads will undoubtedly wear out faster than your rears.

BTW, the sensor is pretty easy to tell as to whether or not it needs to be changed. There is one for the front and one for the back, and are coated with a ceramic type of coating. When it wears down, it sets off the warning light. If it's worn, change it. I bought front and rears, when doing mine, the rear didn't need it, so I took it back to my mechanic and swapped it for an oil filter :wink