Wtf is this on my brake pad?

peytonracer4 · 03-08-2012, 01:30 PM

I'm trying to install a sensor on my fronts because it's just not there. Is seems like there's some spring in its place.
What is this? How am I supposed to install the sensor now?

kennyvb · 03-08-2012, 01:32 PM

The spring is probably the retaining spring for the sensor

PNWDan · 03-08-2012, 01:34 PM

The sensor and spring usually go together.

peytonracer4 · 03-08-2012, 01:43 PM

wow i'm a moron. i meant to attach the picture of it.
if the spring and sensor go together i'm confused. how do i get the sensor in there?

luTTz · 03-08-2012, 01:54 PM

The sensor has a little metal nub on it that fits into the hole directly in the center of that spring. you'll probably have to remove the pad and squeeze it in with a pair of pliers.

peytonracer4 · 03-08-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luTTz

The sensor has a little metal nub on it that fits into the hole directly in the center of that spring. you'll probably have to remove the pad and squeeze it in with a pair of pliers.

oh i think i see.
so this is a rear sensor:

and this is a front sensor?

luTTz · 03-08-2012, 02:29 PM

correct.

peytonracer4 · 03-08-2012, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luTTz

correct.

Alright good. Is it impossible to insert the sensor without taking anything apart? It seems like I'd be able to stick it in as is.

ButtJuice · 03-09-2012, 02:07 AM

You have to take your brake pads off then insert the sensor. Take your time and figure out the placement, it's not that hard.

Pad off, place sensor in slot (you don't need any tools to do so), put pad back in & drive.

MR 325 · 03-09-2012, 02:26 AM

Jesus, just pull off the caliper. It's 2 bolts.

Madhatter · 03-11-2012, 06:24 AM

Its not even 2 bolts. You only need to remove the bottom one and you can hinge the caliper up and remove it with the top slide still in place.

To the OP. If your pads were new you could probably get it in there without removing the caliper, but its tight otherwise. It's an easy job to do though.

peytonracer4 · 03-11-2012, 07:29 PM

my pads are pretty new. i'm willing to bet i can get the sensor in there without removing the caliper but we'll see.
thanks for the pictures. they helped me understand what it should look like assembled.

PNWDan · 03-15-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peytonracer4

my pads are pretty new. i'm willing to bet i can get the sensor in there without removing the caliper but we'll see.
thanks for the pictures. they helped me understand what it should look like assembled.

Funny thing is, I threw mine away and just jumpered the wires. I hate the idiot lights on these cars. I dont need a sensor to tell me to check my brake pads lol

03-08-2012, 01:30 PM	#1
peytonracer4 E30 Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: chicago area Posts: 409	Wtf is this on my brake pad? I'm trying to install a sensor on my fronts because it's just not there. Is seems like there's some spring in its place. What is this? How am I supposed to install the sensor now? __________________

03-08-2012, 01:32 PM	#2
kennyvb Grease Monkey Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 366	The spring is probably the retaining spring for the sensor __________________ '86 BMW 325 coupe (owned since 10/11) '05 Subaru WRX sedan (owned 7+ years, sold) heyday '86 Subaru GL-10 wagon (owned 1 year, sold) '98 Acura Integra GS-R hatchback (owned 13+ years, sold) Trader feedback

03-08-2012, 01:34 PM	#3
PNWDan E30 Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 1,204	The sensor and spring usually go together. __________________ 1987 Alpinweiß 325is Like the PNW E30 Local Crew Facebook page

03-08-2012, 01:43 PM	#4
peytonracer4 E30 Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: chicago area Posts: 409	wow i'm a moron. i meant to attach the picture of it. if the spring and sensor go together i'm confused. how do i get the sensor in there? Attached Images __________________

03-09-2012, 02:07 AM	#9
ButtJuice E30 Mastermind Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: OC, bItCh Posts: 1,704	You have to take your brake pads off then insert the sensor. Take your time and figure out the placement, it's not that hard. Pad off, place sensor in slot (you don't need any tools to do so), put pad back in & drive. __________________ Autotragic 86' 4dr 325 - Sold 1991 325is - Current

03-08-2012, 01:54 PM	#5
luTTz Wrencher Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 204 Images: 8	The sensor has a little metal nub on it that fits into the hole directly in the center of that spring. you'll probably have to remove the pad and squeeze it in with a pair of pliers.

03-08-2012, 02:29 PM	#7
luTTz Wrencher Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 204 Images: 8	correct.

03-09-2012, 02:26 AM	#10
MR 325 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 31,443 Images: 1022	Jesus, just pull off the caliper. It's 2 bolts. __________________ 1991 E30 M-Technic 327i Turbo --- 1986 E30 325iS --- 1997 E36 M3/4/5 Ported, Polished, & Rebuilt M20 Cylinder Heads CLICK HERE! Castro Motorsport 12600 Sherman Way, North Hollywood 818.765.3606 - Ask for Chris

03-11-2012, 06:24 AM	#11
Madhatter E30 Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: AUS Posts: 581	Its not even 2 bolts. You only need to remove the bottom one and you can hinge the caliper up and remove it with the top slide still in place. To the OP. If your pads were new you could probably get it in there without removing the caliper, but its tight otherwise. It's an easy job to do though.

03-11-2012, 07:29 PM	#12
peytonracer4 E30 Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: chicago area Posts: 409	my pads are pretty new. i'm willing to bet i can get the sensor in there without removing the caliper but we'll see. thanks for the pictures. they helped me understand what it should look like assembled. __________________