Brake pad sensor
10-30-2009, 04:42 AM
#1
Brake pad sensor
During a recent inspection, we noted our brake pad wear was getting pretty thin, and with the brake squeaking, I ordered some replacement Hawk pads.
Unfortunately yesterday (two days before we were going to swap the pads out), the brake pad sensor went out and the warning light went on.
I've read that, if one is careful, you can re-use the old brake pad sensors with the new pads.
My question is whether you can only use them only prior to them going off? (are they killed when they activate?)
Unfortunately yesterday (two days before we were going to swap the pads out), the brake pad sensor went out and the warning light went on.
I've read that, if one is careful, you can re-use the old brake pad sensors with the new pads.
My question is whether you can only use them only prior to them going off? (are they killed when they activate?)
11-03-2009, 10:25 AM
#2
Am going to answer my own question, in case anyone else has this come up.
As soon as the brake pad warning light comes on, it means the sensor is shot. The sensor is a small black tab, about the size of the tip of your pinky finger, it just is pushed into a slot on the outside of the brake pad and as the brake pad wears below a certain point, the rotor makes contact with the sensor, and will short the circuit out. It's a very simple system, as you can tie the two wires that go into the sensor together, and the warning light will go out.
You may reuse the sensor if you are changing the pad before the sensor is hit, but it sounds like it's easy to break pulling out, and may be worth the investment of new sensors. (or tie the wires together - you disable the warning system, but if you are getting the car inspected frequently (or can frequently inspect yourself, might not be a bad trade off))
Audi differs from some other mfgs as the sensors are on every wheel location. (as opposed to maybe a driver front, passenger rear config in some BMWs, Mercs, etc.)
Info one learns at the mechanic.
As soon as the brake pad warning light comes on, it means the sensor is shot. The sensor is a small black tab, about the size of the tip of your pinky finger, it just is pushed into a slot on the outside of the brake pad and as the brake pad wears below a certain point, the rotor makes contact with the sensor, and will short the circuit out. It's a very simple system, as you can tie the two wires that go into the sensor together, and the warning light will go out.
You may reuse the sensor if you are changing the pad before the sensor is hit, but it sounds like it's easy to break pulling out, and may be worth the investment of new sensors. (or tie the wires together - you disable the warning system, but if you are getting the car inspected frequently (or can frequently inspect yourself, might not be a bad trade off))
Audi differs from some other mfgs as the sensors are on every wheel location. (as opposed to maybe a driver front, passenger rear config in some BMWs, Mercs, etc.)
Info one learns at the mechanic.
11-11-2009, 01:27 PM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
Sorry for not replying in time. Lots of pics at link I was trying to let others have a chance to reply first but forgot to come back to thread.
This thread by Markitzero may have helped. Link to Brake pad and Sensor thread
I have also added it to spreadsheet.
This thread by Markitzero may have helped. Link to Brake pad and Sensor thread
I have also added it to spreadsheet.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
A4orce84
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
5
11-30-2008 12:58 PM
JDreher
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
2
02-11-2003 07:20 AM
