Brake pads

[john348]

Hi all

My "check brake linings" and red light came on not long after the first service. I asked and they said surprisingly they did not check the pads at a service!!!! So I bought some pads and fitted them. Unfortunately when I started the car it still says to check linings and the red light is still on. Does this mean it is a dealer reset, is there a way round it or do I have to look further.

Thanks

John

[Zulu95]

You need to change the sensors front and rear.

[john348]

Thanks

Do you mean I cannot use the old sensor? I have looked at the rears and they look like there is still some pad left but I didn't try to take them out to really check. Is it difficult because of the handbrake?

[Kendall]

Originally Posted by john348

Thanks

Do you mean I cannot use the old sensor? I have looked at the rears and they look like there is still some pad left but I didn't try to take them out to really check. Is it difficult because of the handbrake?

No, sensors cannot be reused after the "check brake lining" message comes up... How the sensor works is simple, once the pads wear out and reaches a tolerance level, the sensor wire snaps making the light appear..

[joegoodrich]

So part of a normal brake job is replacing the sensor? If I replace the pad before the sensor triggers then the old sensor should still be fine...correct?

Its only like a $15 part so maybe I should just replace it at the same time...while I have everything torn apart.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by joegoodrich

So part of a normal brake job is replacing the sensor? If I replace the pad before the sensor triggers then the old sensor should still be fine...correct?

Its only like a $15 part so maybe I should just replace it at the same time...while I have everything torn apart.

Absolutely correct on all three counts. Just do it, even though it is reusable if the light hasn't come on. Reason is that it gets hardened with age and heat, and the clip becomes brittle. Since it is so cheap, it is easier to do it at the same time as pads. If you don't do it at the same time as pads, it is fairly easy to do it without taking the pads out, but who needs the hassle?