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/

**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

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

Originally Posted by 1260pete

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.

**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

Originally Posted by passat 130 tdi

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.

Yep me too