Check Brake Lining

squeasel · #1 07-13-2015, 09:14 PM

Hi All, I just replaced rotors, pads and sensors on the 2003 X5 3.0. However, the dash message still reads "Check Brake Lining". I can imagine several issues ... bad sensor installation (they appear to be asymmetrical and I don't know precisely I put them), could be a bad connection to the car, or maybe I need some sort of computer reset. All help appreciated.

FWIW I seem not to be able to search the site right now so perhaps it is answered somewhere else but I can't find it.

Second note, I did spend as long to get one of the rotor set screws out as it took to do everything else (soaking time mostly before I attacked it with a drill bit) so I am a bit dense right now (more than usual).

StephenVA · #2 07-13-2015, 10:26 PM

If the check brake pad warning light was on before you changed the pads and if you reused the old sensor(s) then that is the problem/solution. The sensors are one time use, IF they have been hit by the rotor which creates a break in the wiring circuit which then turns on the light on the dash.

If you replaced them, check the connectors to ensure they are seated and have clicked into place.

Helpful?

squeasel · #3 07-14-2015, 12:29 AM

Thanks, I did replace the sensors. They appear to by asymmetrical and was wondering if there were a proper direction of installation. I will check to make sure they are seated properly and recheck the connection at the junction box.

kvc · #4 07-14-2015, 09:38 AM

FWIW - I've read that you can avoid replacing the sensors by simply soldering the contacts if they were broken (worn). Saves a lot of hassle and a few bucks too.

Qsilver7 · #5 07-14-2015, 09:52 AM

Brake pad (lining) warning light reset procedure from BMW TIS:

cn90 · #6 07-14-2015, 09:59 AM

@kvc is correct,

Some people simply short the circuit to avoid the annoying brake light.

The "down" side is you have no warning brake pad light and have to check the pad the "manual way", which is visual inspection of brake pads every 6 months or so.
My other cars (Volvo, Honda) do not have brake wear sensor anyway, so the brake pad is checked manually at tire rotation etc.

The good news is: the E53 wheels' spokes are far apart, making visual inspection very easy, this will tell you the approx. thickness of the remaining pad.

kvc · #7 07-16-2015, 07:08 PM

[QUOTE=trader4;1044680]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn90

@kvc is correct,

Some people simply short the circuit to avoid the annoying brake light.

QUOTE]

I took his post to mean that you could somehow solder the ends of
the sensors where they wore down and exposed the contacts and then
re-use them. I agree that you could essentially bypass them so
you have no sensors at all, if that's what you want to do.

It's your car, your money, your choice.

Yes you can - simply put a dollop of solder on the sensor itself, where it has worn and opened the circuit. It's not that difficult, can be done in situ and avoids the need to replace the sensor. It will still work fine, as the pads wear, so too will the modest blob of solder you put back on there, and open the circuit triggering the warning on your dash. Obviously, this depends on how worn your sensor/s are - if you've left your brake job for ages, to the point you have 'metal on metal' then you'll have to replace not only the pads, but your rotors and sensors too.