check brake linings-how long can i drive for?

[omodos]

silly question i guess as depending on driving style yes? but got abut 4mm left on front pads....

Also would the sensor need replacing? does it get physically damaged once triggered?

And the next one is i got 1-1.5mm liop on the actual rotors up front, pleeeease someone tell me i wont need to change em

[enjoytheride]

Once the wear sensor light is activated this indicates the wear sensor is in contact with the disc and is now beginning to wear itself, so yes it will need to be replaced.
There is pad still left so you can continue to drive but you answered your own question depends on driving style how long.
A lip on the rotors indicates they are also worn and the only way to be sure about replacement is to measure the thickness and check the minimum.
My view is not to skimp on this area as along with steering they are the most important part of any vehicle.

[bcredliner]

The wear sensors are not reusable. I always replace the rotors when I replace the brake pads. I don't consider them reusable regardless what they might measure. They wear just like the pads and go through so many heat cycles over the life of the pads that it is wise to replace them. It is not necessary to replace both the front and rear pads at the same time. If you don't I would use the same brand pads as the other end.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by trader4

160K here, original rotors, just replaced the front pads couple months ago.
Your car, your money, your choice.

The only thing I mentioned that must be done is replacing the wear sensors. The rest of the considerations I said what I would do. As to 160,000 miles on the same rotors. I would never consider doing so, brakes tend to be important.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by trader4

What you do is up to you. The fact that BMW specs a minimum thickness for the rotors before requiring replacement, speaks for itself. Mine have not reached that at 160K miles.

Thickness is only one factor, and it is easily measured. Surface condition and heat effects are other reasons to change rotors.

I change mine because it is cheap to do so, improves braking performance (surface condition, and greater thermal mass), and reduces the likelihood of having to go back in for a noise complaint. I got 90,000 km out of rear pads on our current vehicle, fronts are still good. Not a tough decision.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by trader4

What you do is up to you. The fact that BMW specs a minimum thickness
for the rotors before requiring replacement, speaks for itself. Mine have
not reached that at 160K miles. And as usual, you can't just let a
differing opinion go. You want to change your rotors every week,
be my guest. You can burn 50s to light cigars too, if it makes you
feel good. Just don't expect the rest of us to buy into it. Changing
rotors at every pad change is the scheme to make $$$, but heh,
you bought into it.

I was only correcting your misinterpretation of what I posted. Your insults are totally out of line. And, I have been so impressed you stopped flipping out like you used to do and were being very constructive.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by JCL

Thickness is only one factor, and it is easily measured. Surface condition and heat effects are other reasons to change rotors.

I change mine because it is cheap to do so, improves braking performance (surface condition, and greater thermal mass), and reduces the likelihood of having to go back in for a noise complaint. I got 90,000 km out of rear pads on our current vehicle, fronts are still good. Not a tough decision.

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

The only thing I mentioned that must be done is replacing the wear sensors. The rest of the considerations I said what I would do. As to 160,000 miles on the same rotors. I would never consider doing so, brakes tend to be important.

I've got almost 220,000 miles on a set of Brembo rotors with virtually no wear since running ceramic pads. With the proper composition cast iron, rotors should be fine as long as they have not been overheated and are of sufficient thickness to meat dimensional requirements and absorb and dissipate braking heat. With the Akebono pads, there is no "bedding" process needed, so I doubt I've ever heat stressed my brake components, as I know I've never lost any stopping power over the years. I am careful to flush brake fluid every 30,000 miles though.

2002 X5 3.0 280,600 miles
2004 325i 120,500 miles

[bcredliner]

Brembo rotors are not stock nor are Akebono pads. It is not just about overheating the rotors it is the about heat cycles. All brake pads need a bedding in process if you want them to function at their maximum performance. Changing brake fluid every two years or so is a good practice but primary because of degradation of the fluid rather than loss of braking performance.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by trader4

Correcting my interpretations of what you had posted?
All I posted was that I went 160K miles with the original
rotors. Good grief, what is your problem? You want to
change rotors every pad change, be my guest. Just
don't start pissing on those that don't.

I am not challenging your right to an opinion. I agree when one decides to change the rotors is up to the individual.

My interpretation is OP is asking for a reason not to change rotors. I, for one, do not think it prudent to even imply that rotors are good to go any number of additional miles. If budget is the issue than be sure to measure the thickness, check for cracks, that they are worn evenly and for discoloration.

No reason to take it personally and spew derogatory remarks and I strongly suggest you reframe from doing so. It only reflects poorly on you. There is nothing in what I have posted that should be interpreted as pi%$ing on anyone.