328 Brake pad wear sensor? | FerrariChat

328 Brake pad wear sensor?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Mantinger, Aug 10, 2022.

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  1. Mantinger

    Mantinger Karting

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    Hi, on my (non ABS) euro 88 328 GTS I found a wire connected to the backside of both front wheel hubs.
    It is not connected to the brake pads, so what is it for? A ground? For what?
    However, this would be very strange place to locate a ground wire.
    Any thoughts?
    Thanks.
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    The wire is part of a circuit that is supposed to light the in-dash "brake" warning light if the pads get too low. That requires, though, a pad that has the other part of the circuit, a small stud that is exposed when the brake pad is worn. I don't know of any replacement pad that actually has that piece, although I'm sure I'll be corrected.
     
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa

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    +1 -- the stock 328 front pads (that might now be unobtanium) have a wire embedded in the friction material that will make contact with the rotor when the friction material gets down to a few mm remaining (creating a ground and illuminating the warning light):

    https://www.ferrariparts.co.uk/part/ferrari/135704

    Someone probably used an aftermarket set of pads without the embedded wire. (Note in that link that even MC is offering an alternative 328 front brake pad with "No Wear Sensors").
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2022
  4. Dave Bertrand

    Dave Bertrand Formula Junior Rossa Subscribed

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    I was shopping for front and rear brake pad sets for my 89 recently, and couldn't find ANY pads available anywhere that came with a sensor wire.
     
  5. Mantinger

    Mantinger Karting

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    Okay, thanks! So it is a ground through the dash warning light.
     

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