Thread: Low brake pad warning light

I was under the impression that once "activates", the sensors should be replaced - but I could be wrong.

I had new pads and rotors fitted to all four wheels on mine on Tuesday. New sensors were fitted as part of the job - and the old sensors had never made contact / been activated.

The sensors have a raised spot that gets worn-through when the pads get too low which breaks the circuit continuity which triggers the alarm. Hence once activated they are worn-out and have to be replaced.

To stop the light coming on while you wait for the sensor to arrive you can just cut the wire and join tge 2 ends together and tape up. I have seen a few discos where the brake pad with the most material left on it is the one with the sensor. .. one of the others is scraping the disc...😦

Jc

Originally Posted by BMKal

I was under the impression that once "activates", the sensors should be replaced - but I could be wrong.

I had new pads and rotors fitted to all four wheels on mine on Tuesday. New sensors were fitted as part of the job - and the old sensors had never made contact / been activated.

Sometimes they break when removing them as they become very brittle after a while due to heat. If you are careful when removing them though. ..😐


Jc

Originally Posted by Graeme

The sensors have a raised spot that gets worn-through when the pads get too low which breaks the circuit continuity which triggers the alarm. Hence once activated they are worn-out and have to be replaced.

Ah, I didn't realise they were a replace-once-activated item. Bugger. At least I know the pads aren't really low now.

Originally Posted by BMKal

I was under the impression that once "activates", the sensors should be replaced - but I could be wrong.

I had new pads and rotors fitted to all four wheels on mine on Tuesday. New sensors were fitted as part of the job - and the old sensors had never made contact / been activated.

Interested to see how they go, and your impressions long term.

Originally Posted by justinc

I have seen a few discos where the brake pad with the most material left on it is the one with the sensor. .. one of the others is scraping the disc...

Not very informative when they only operate on 2 of the 8 pads.

Originally Posted by Graeme

Not very informative when they only operate on 2 of the 8 pads.

Yup. A 25% chance of detecting worn pads... there is no substitute for regular maintenance in my opinion. If you are seeing that lamp and are surprised it came on then it is a bit late to know that the pads are 'getting low and will need replacement.' This should be reported at service time.

Jc