Brake pad sensors?

[MichelleRoze]

Just a random question I guess....

I got my oil change awhile back and the mechanic said it looks like it's time to think about replacing the brake pads. And I agree, my car doesn't brake as well as she used to. And there have been times when it does squeal. I called the dealership to ask what type of brake pads I need, whether or not I needed the ones with the sensors. They said according to my VIN that I do. I've never had a car that had sensors before, so I'm assuming that when the brakes go bad the brake light would come on, right? So why, if my car has sensors, would the brakes squeal? And if my light doesn't come on, then do I really need to replace them yet? Just curious....thanks for the help. Oh and are they hard to replace with the sensors?

[fohveh]

The sensor is merely a loop of wire that goes through the back of the brake pad on one side only, the drivers side. A light will illuminate on the cluster to show that the pad is so low that the rotor has cut the wire loop. Basically it still has life but not much at that point. The "sensor" wired pad has a simple connector that plugs in right beside the caliper, real simple stuff. I have a set of pads that have no sensor so I plug nothing in, BUT to avoid the light turning on I use the old plug from the worn pad set and simply twist the wires together and silicone the tip of the twisted wires. The car is tricked into thinking the circuit is complete and therefore the light does not come on.

[D2Beetle]

You can get after market sensor pads, there not that expensive. I'm a DIY type so I do my own brake changes, so for me it is just the cost of pads. It has been a while, but I think they were about $50, plus or minus taxes.

[MichelleRoze]

Hmm...so it sounds like I should check them to make sure someone before me hasn't rigged them already. Although, that sounds like a good idea, because the ones with sensors are a bit more expensive. And really, are they necessary? When the light goes off sounds like it's almost too late. I'm pretty good with cars and I know when it's time to change my pads. I don't need a light lol. Thanks for the advice. Now, if I want to upgrade...what pads, rotor, and maybe even caliper would you suggest? If I can afford it, I'd like to get cross drilled rotors...