04 face-lift Rear brake pad sensor?
 

Hi everyone,

My 04 4.4 rear brakes are making the nasty scratching sound and I think my pads are due. I am going to replace it myself without changing the rotors. My question is do I need the wear sensor?

from realoem and the DIY it seems I do need it, but there is no indicator on my dash that my rear pads are due even with very noticeable scratching sound while applying brake.

No 12

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/q/e/229.png

Thanks

Every time you replace the pads, you have to replace the brake sensors!!

Thanks but now my question is why there is no warning on my dash?

You do not have to replace the sensor every time you work on your brakes. You only need to replace it if it tripped the warning light on the dash, ie it rubbed through the contact.

It is still good practice to replace it, since it goes hard from the heat over time.

If you brakes are squealing from being completely worn out, then they could be worn out on the other wheel, or other pad, due to sticking calipers, but not worn out where the sensor is. If that is the case you should be looking at overhauling calipers as well.

Also, if they are down to metal, you should reconsider your plan to reuse your rotors.

It is possible that there is just a rock stuck in there, since you call it scratching instead of a loud grinding noise.

Thanks. I will get the sensor while ordering the pads. I wasn't trying to re-use the old one, but I just not sure if I really have it on the X. James from ECSTuning told me "My notes do not show a rear brake sensor on the X5", which I took it as I don't even have/need a rear one on my X.

The sound only happens if I brake "deep" or almost stop. if I only lightly push the brake, or bake while rolling above 15mph, the sound won't be there. So I assume it is only the pad?

Thanks.

There is one wear sensor on the rear, on the right side.

If the pads are worn out, you will likely get a noise with any brake application. I would inspect them first.