Brakes

[defuzz]

So, going down a long hill the other day I smelt a burning plasticy kind of smell, i wasn't sure if it was me or someone nearby, so I pulled over, rear right wheel was radiating heat (not dangerously but just felt warmer) and a bit of a burnt smell.

As soon as I could, I checked my brake pads.

The pads etc seemed ok but it seems to have worn down to the plastic bit embedded in the pad, I assume this plastic insulates some contacts, which when worn enough will create a circuit and tell me to replace my brake pads (though I can't see any warning light on my dash)

Is this how it normally works?  All the wiring appears to be there for wear sensors but no warning light??

THere seems to be plenty of friction material left on the brake pad.  THe only other indication of problems of a slight whistle/squek from said brake.

I'm having no physical brake problems, but I think I might as well replace them this weekend, especially the pins and springs, they're well rusty

[hobbit]

Sounds the best idea, pads and pin kit, should be able to get them easily enough locally

Then need to check also if there is any excessivew wear on the discs as well, while your at it.

The sensor wiring may be damaged somewhere else on the system, try shorting out the pins on them to confirm that they are working at the ends or not

[defuzz]

hmm just checked in my manual, the minimum brake pad thickness is 3mm, I've got well over a centimetre left.

[hobbit]

are the disks worn down as well?

[waveydavey]

I got to the light point once; the warning light is shared with either the handbrake light or the fluid light, I can't remember which now but I think it was the handbrake.

That said don't rely on it, I have also been known to have  stone lodged in that larmed' pad so it did not wear at all when the othjer three front pads were worn out.