PDA

View Full Version : Question How do I disconnect the Brake pad wear sensor in the picture ?



headache56
27-07-2008, 09:05 AM
How do I disconnect the Brake pad wear sensor in the picture ?

Does the sensor unclip, somehow. How do I remove it and how do I reconnect / refit it when I install the new pads, please?


http://www.flickr.com/photos/27466575@N03/2706205832/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/27466575@N03/2706205832/

Col
27-07-2008, 09:20 AM
Follow the cable up and away from the pad, you will bump into a connector.

Undo it!

Simple as.

However it may take you 5 mins to figure out how the connector works. Be careful and use a small flat bladed screwdriver to undo the clip.

When you re-fit make sure you route the cable the same way as it was before and also make sure the connector plug is in its holder / clip.

headache56
27-07-2008, 11:04 AM
Bigcol,

Thank you for your prompt reply.

2 minutes ago I bought a new set of front brake pads (£32 for 4) and the new pads come with new sensors - comparing these new ones with my old ones (in the picture) it is clear that 4-5mm of my old pads have worn down.


Cheers
Kevin

headache56
27-07-2008, 03:17 PM
Big Col,

Thank you - fixed and now time for a beer :beerchug:

The wiring clips (pad wear sensors) would not snap shut - I will check them tomorrow when my hands are not oily. Maybe a very thin layer of Vaseline will help ?

Cheers
Headache56

1260pete
27-07-2008, 09:19 PM
Dude were the pads on the picture your old ones ? if so why did you replace them as there is at least 15000 miles left on them?????

MalcQV
28-07-2008, 08:36 AM
Dude were the pads on the picture your old ones ? if so why did you replace them as there is at least 15000 miles left on them?????
There does look a fair bit of lining left, but the sensor is visible. I have just done mine and they had plenty left, but I changed my discs so had no choice :(.

headache56
28-07-2008, 09:56 AM
Thanks 1260pete and MalcQv,

The picture of the pad was the one least worn of the two front pads, although I did not know it at the time.

The pad wear was a little bit uneven on both so that the outer part was less worn that the inner. On the pad not pictured the disc wear had started to mash up the sensor.

Anyway all now fixed and I thank you for your help. (smiley face)

However, as the senors only indicate wear of the front pads I have another "5 minute job" to check the rear ones.

Cheers
Headache56

passat 130 tdi
28-07-2008, 03:47 PM
i hate those sensors , they keep brake companies in business nothing else. i cut the wires at the pad and join them together, this makes the light on the dash go out.:biglaugh:

headache56
28-07-2008, 05:04 PM
Excellent - a pragmatic solution which I will use next time. Cheers.

1260pete
28-07-2008, 08:01 PM
i hate those sensors , they keep brake companies in business nothing else. i cut the wires at the pad and join them together, this makes the light on the dash go out.:biglaugh:Yep me too ;)

MalcQV
28-07-2008, 10:42 PM
Regarding the sensors - so long as you regularly check the pads (as we did in the old days). Just make sure the next owner, if there is one knows ;).

There is a gent on here who bought a Transporter Van from a garage who promised to replace the pads as the light was on. When he brought the van home the wires were connected and the pads had no lining on.

Sheepdog
29-07-2008, 08:57 PM
i hate those sensors , they keep brake companies in business nothing else. i cut the wires at the pad and join them together, this makes the light on the dash go out.:biglaugh:


Remember seeing somwhere that only the left, Near side sensor is checked for wear. However When I did mine unpluged Right also gave error. Wrong plugs supplied on my replacments, so swapped with old ones. Had to make sure contacts were clean etc but no problem.
Depending on your model. carfule when you get to replace rear.
I tried 3 times before getting correct disks. VERY difficult if car in bits.

HUB of brake disk is narrower on some models, by about 10mm, so standard, as listed are too wide.