Question. Does my 1999 355 have sensors? If so do they illuminate an idiot light when they are worn? And last, if this is so should I wait until this happens? I'm still learning this beast.
Replace the pads when they are worn and BEFORE the sensor touches the rotors--then you can simply replace the pads before you replace both the pads and the sensor.
So the sensor is useless? My question is this. And I'm repeating myself. Does the sensor illuminate a light? It's electrical? I got questions, I need answers. The dude at Radio Shack can't help.
Some pads have "sensors" that make a squeal when the pads are worn to the limit. Are these(355) electrical? And if so, do they set off an indication when one or more sensors detects pad wear. Also, are the front and rear pads the same? If not, what's the difference? Appreciate any input.
The 355 has electrical sensors on both front brakes. They illuminate the parking brake light if the pads are worn enough. However, its pretty easy to see if the pad wear is getting close to the sensors. just look through the wheel spokes at the inboard side of the calipers. The small black plastic bodied sensor (about the size of your small fingernail) fits into a slot on the inboard pad and should be visible with the aid of a strong flashlight. It has two small wires leaving its rear side and then making a 90 degree turn toward the inside of the car going through a supporting slot in the caliper. A new pad is about twice as thick as the sensor. If the sensor is nearly touching the rotor (say around 1/32"), its time to replace the pads which is also pretty easy to do yourself.
A brake pad sensor is a wire that provides continuity for electrical circuit. When it is worn down, the wire is broken and the light is triggered by the brake circuit. From the Ricambi site, the 4 pads and 2 sensors are sold as a kit so it seems you can't get them separately. Which means, you might as well let the sensor wear down to trigger the light before you replace them. This does not apply if you can replace the pads with cheaper after market pads without having to buy the sensors too.
You can use the maserati sensors with a small wiring job - I did it here with pics... 348 DIY "Restoration" - Page 50 348 DIY "Restoration" - Page 85
FRSport.com has 4 Porterfield pads for $90 the set. My front were tapered but the backs were not. Porterfield pads for the street squeak less and have less dust.
I have gone through 7 sets of pads and I'm still on the first sensor. Oh, and BTW, I'n not using the pads from the kit, I'm using pads that can take track use in texas summertime heat.
This is exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks to all. Now if someone would do a step by step thread with pics that would be awesome.
