Brake pad wear sensor: common defects and their signs

1. Damaging of sensor wires.
   • Absence of brake pads wear signal, with the presence of other signs indicating that their lifetime ends.
   • Specific screech appears during braking.
   • Efficiency of the braking system worsened.
   • The sensor continues to indicate brake pads wear even after installation of new ones.
2. Terminals corrosion.
   • Signal of brake pads wear is not transmitted.
   • Whistling sound appears during braking.
   • False activation of the signal about the need to replace brake pads.

How to replace brake pad wear sensor?

It is impossible to restore the brake pad wear sensor. The component should be replaced if defect signs are found. Replacement procedure depends on the type of the component. It is impossible to remove an integrated sensor which is pressed into the friction lining. In case of its breakdown you need to install new brake pads with the built-in sensor.

The external type sensor, which is mounted into a special cut-out in a metal base of the pad, can be replaced. Replacement procedure isn’t difficult, any car owner can perform it. Before starting the work, familiarize yourself with car technical documentation, as actions sequence may vary for cars of different models.

The basic algorithm of external sensor replacement for any car is the following:

1. Place the car onto a lifting platform.
2. Unscrew fasteners and remove the wheel.
3. Remove the sensor fastening clamps and remove it.
4. Clean the mounting seat for a new component thoroughly.
5. Install a new sensor and perform reassembling in the reversed order.

When doing worn brake pads replacement, specialists recommend to simultaneously replace their wear sensor, even if it is serviceable.