brake job

paul.j.ghosh · 07-04-2023, 01:33 PM

Is it acceptable to just change pads? Do the rotors have to be resurfaced as long as minimum specs are met?

Raimo5 · 07-04-2023, 04:03 PM

Yes, you can do pads without rotors. This is a normal procedure as rotors usually last couple of sets of pads. If rotors are worn or otherwise not up to spec then you should replace these. Thickness of front discs are 36mm with minimum thickness of 34,4mm. That is only 1,6mm of difference between new and depleted disc. There is nothing to mill down from it and still stay within requirements.

New pads can be fitted to used rotors and they will bed in just fine. You cant do it the other way around, though.

Qsilver7 · 07-04-2023, 07:24 PM

Don’t forget your brake sensor if you got a warning from Check Control and you wore through it. Only mentioning it because your post didn’t provide a lot of detail as to why you’re changing your pads.

There’s two sensors…one of the front left wheel, and a second on the right rear wheel. If you wore through the sensor, then you need to replace the one on the axle that is receiving new pads.

paul.j.ghosh · 07-04-2023, 11:25 PM

The sensor has not gone off yet... does it still need to be changed?

Qsilver7 · 07-06-2023, 03:44 PM

If the sensor is intact and not worn through...then it should still work. But if you don't replace it and you can't reset your service light...then you may have to go back in and replace it.

There's obviously a back story that we aren't privy to...since you're replacing your pads when there was no message to say it was time to change them. So replacing the sensor will have to be your call...you may want to play it safe...or you may know (or see) that the sensor is in great shape and hasn't begin to wear away...so it should be good.

Raimo5 · 07-07-2023, 05:44 AM

I have done plenty of brake jobs. For what ever reason, every now and then I end up trying to get the wear sensor out of its socket on the pad. I can't recall that I have ever got one out without destroying it. It is a flimsy shell tangling on two thin wires. Then again my goal has never been to preserve the sensor itself.

You dont have to get them from dealer or even OE. A good sensor like ATE, Bosch, Brembo etc. will cost you under 10 bucks.

paul.j.ghosh · 07-12-2023, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raimo5

A good sensor like ATE, Bosch, Brembo etc. will cost you under 10 bucks.

part numbers for aftermarket sensors?

Raimo5 · 07-12-2023, 03:03 PM

Part numbers here in Europe might differ from those in US, so it can be counterproductive for me to post part numbers that wont work for you or might lead to wrong articles.

You can find them easily via Google search if you only search original wear sensor part number or append a specific manufacturer name to your search.

You can find original part number from different online databases out there or get the number from your dealer.

07-04-2023, 01:33 PM	#1
paul.j.ghosh Private First Class 7 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2019 M760i xDrive Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: El Cajon, CA iTrader: (0)	brake job - only pads? Is it acceptable to just change pads? Do the rotors have to be resurfaced as long as minimum specs are met?
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07-04-2023, 04:03 PM	#2
Raimo5 Lieutenant 190 Rep 403 Posts Drives: BMW 740d xDrive (G11) Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Estonia iTrader: (0)	Yes, you can do pads without rotors. This is a normal procedure as rotors usually last couple of sets of pads. If rotors are worn or otherwise not up to spec then you should replace these. Thickness of front discs are 36mm with minimum thickness of 34,4mm. That is only 1,6mm of difference between new and depleted disc. There is nothing to mill down from it and still stay within requirements. New pads can be fitted to used rotors and they will bed in just fine. You cant do it the other way around, though.
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07-04-2023, 07:24 PM	#3
Qsilver7 Major General 4497 Rep 7,542 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Don’t forget your brake sensor if you got a warning from Check Control and you wore through it. Only mentioning it because your post didn’t provide a lot of detail as to why you’re changing your pads. There’s two sensors…one of the front left wheel, and a second on the right rear wheel. If you wore through the sensor, then you need to replace the one on the axle that is receiving new pads. __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
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07-04-2023, 11:25 PM	#4
paul.j.ghosh Private First Class 7 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2019 M760i xDrive Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: El Cajon, CA iTrader: (0)	The sensor has not gone off yet... does it still need to be changed?
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07-06-2023, 03:44 PM	#5
Qsilver7 Major General 4497 Rep 7,542 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	If the sensor is intact and not worn through...then it should still work. But if you don't replace it and you can't reset your service light...then you may have to go back in and replace it. There's obviously a back story that we aren't privy to...since you're replacing your pads when there was no message to say it was time to change them. So replacing the sensor will have to be your call...you may want to play it safe...or you may know (or see) that the sensor is in great shape and hasn't begin to wear away...so it should be good. __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-07-2023, 05:44 AM	#6
Raimo5 Lieutenant 190 Rep 403 Posts Drives: BMW 740d xDrive (G11) Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Estonia iTrader: (0)	I have done plenty of brake jobs. For what ever reason, every now and then I end up trying to get the wear sensor out of its socket on the pad. I can't recall that I have ever got one out without destroying it. It is a flimsy shell tangling on two thin wires. Then again my goal has never been to preserve the sensor itself. You dont have to get them from dealer or even OE. A good sensor like ATE, Bosch, Brembo etc. will cost you under 10 bucks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-12-2023, 03:03 PM	#8
Raimo5 Lieutenant 190 Rep 403 Posts Drives: BMW 740d xDrive (G11) Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Estonia iTrader: (0)	Part numbers here in Europe might differ from those in US, so it can be counterproductive for me to post part numbers that wont work for you or might lead to wrong articles. You can find them easily via Google search if you only search original wear sensor part number or append a specific manufacturer name to your search. You can find original part number from different online databases out there or get the number from your dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote