Brake wear indicator (brake pad wear sensor) for your car

Always play it safe, with the brake wear indicator In a disc brake system, brake pads are pressed against a rotating disc. As a result, material is worn off of the brake pad and the brake disc during each braking operation. If the brake pads are completely ground down, the vehicle's braking performance will be very poor. Thus a brake wear indicator helps drivers determine when a brake pad must be replaced before it's too late. Brake wear indicator: Simple technology, significant effect A completely ground down brake pad makes a loud noise every time the driver steps on the brake pedal. An unbearable grinding noise should provide any driver a clear warning sign to take the vehicle to the next workshop as soon as possible. At this point, road safety is no longer ensured: The braking distance is very long due to the missing brake pads and the brake discs wear out quickly.
Thus, the brake wear indicator offers a technically simple means of noticing when the brake pads need to be replaced before it is too late. There is a contact wire inside the brake pad, which will come into contact with the brake disc as soon as the brake pad wears down to a certain thickness. This will close an electric circuit and thus trigger a signal in the vehicle's dashboard. This ensures that the driver has enough time to safely take his vehicle to the nearest shop. Components of the brake wear indicator The brake wear indicator consists of the following components:

- Wear contact - Brake disc - Brake pad - Wiring running to the interior - Indicator on the dashboard

The wear contact is a wire connection attached directly to the brake pad and the wiring to the interior. It is attached to the chassis and the body by means of clips and brackets. If these are missing, cable ties can also be used. Due to its proximity to the chassis, the wear contact is a wearing part. Therefore, it is replaced along with the brakes on most types of cars. Wear indicator defects A defective wear indicator is usually indicated on the dashboard right away. As this component is merely a thin cable, it can tear upon an impact from an debris flying up or become damaged if in contact with the tire or brake disc. A defect is quickly identified and the part easily replaced. Repair attempts involving soldering or using terminal clamps are not useful. A new wear contact costs no more than 15 euro. Torn off or bitten off? A seemingly torn brake wear indicator contact can also be the result of a bite. Any inexplicably wire tear calls for checking the entire engine compartment for leaks and marten bite marks. For this, it is best to let the engine run idle until it reaches its operating temperature. This can be recognized by the fan starting up. If any hose shows a leak on opposite ends, this indicates the typical bite and counter bite marks - clear evidence of a marten visit. Ultrasonic devices are most successful in protecting the car from marten bites. However, take caution when checking the ignition cables. These are only to be checked when the engine is switched off, otherwise one could suffer a painful electric shock! Quality brake wear indicator In brakes, the wear indicator or wear contact is only as good as its worst component. This begins with the pads: They must be suitable for use with the wear indicator. It is therefore important to buy the right pads for the vehicle. The wear contact itself merely consists of a long wire with two plugs and a strong sheath. Even parts by brand-name manufacturers can be purchased at good prices, thus there is no reason to opt for low-cost solutions.
Whenever changing the brake pads, the brake disc should also be checked. Usually, the brake disc is due for replacement no later than upon the second brake pad replacement. The minimum thickness of the brake disc depends on the vehicle, for these components feature different designs. Internally ventilated brake discs, for example, are considerably thicker than simple brake discs without ventilation. Deep grooves and indentations are also detrimental to the braking effect. A completely overhauled brake, including pads, wear contacts and brake discs, is sure to provide the necessary driving safety. Since overhauling brakes involves removing the wheel, this task offers a good opportunity to check the axle boots, tie rods and ball joints.