If you are experiencing a sudden loss of braking power, it is likely that your brake pad sensor has gone out. Replacing the sensor is a simple task that can be done by any BMW enthusiast with some basic DIY skills and parts found at most auto or hardware stores.
The process involves removing the caliper, rotor, and pads from the disc brakes using a wrench set before replacing the sensor in its housing. Make sure to clean all debris off of the caliper before beginning.
It might take several tries to get everything back together correctly – so don’t give up if something doesn’t seem to fit just right initially.
Once everything is installed and tightened down properly, test drive your car to make sure there have been no unwanted side effects from repairing/replacing your brake pad sensor on BMW e90s.
Contents
How To Replace Brake Pad Sensor BMW E90
If you’re having trouble stopping your car, it’s likely that the brake pad sensor is malfunctioning.
This small device monitors the pressure on the brake pads and sends a signal to the braking system. If it’s not working correctly, the brakes may not work as well as they should.
Remove the Front Brake Calipers
The first step is to remove the front brake calipers. The BMW E90 uses a two-pin design, which makes it relatively easy to take off.
Disconnect the Sensor wire from the Module
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the sensor wire from the module. This might be a little confusing because there are two pins that look like they’re meant for insertion into connectors on either side of the engine bay (depending on your model), but in reality, these are just decorative pieces and don’t have anything to do with actually connecting wires or components together inside your car.
Once you’ve determined which pin goes where simply push it out of its socket and pull out the sensor wiring attached to it:
Remove Prelube Cylinder Block Cover & Pad Holder(s)
Now comes time for some serious wrenching: You will need to remove both the prelude cylinder block cover and pad holder(s). On certain models this may not require removal – check your owner’s manual before starting.
With all brake pedal assemblies disconnected from their respective cables routing boxes/housing (and sometimes even their master cylinders.), it’s now possible – though not always easy –to access and remove each individual pad or shoe without further dismantling:
Simply pry upwards at one corner of each housing until they pop loo then give them a good shake out before reassembling everything properly in reverse order.
Reinstall Prelube Cylinder Block Cover &Pad Holder(s)
Finally, replace the prelude cylinder block cover & pad holder(s) if necessary, reconnect sensors if applicable (or leave them disconnected), reinstall wheel nuts, torque as specified in the owner’s manual, and you’re done.
How Brake Pad Sensors of BMW E90 Work
BMW brake pad sensors work by measuring the amount of pressure that’s applied to the brakes.
This information is used to determine how hard the brakes are being pressed and sent to the car’s computer for use in braking.
If there is a problem with one or more of these sensors, it could lead to decreased braking performance or even a failure.
Controlled by Two Types of Sensors
one to detect the pressure that’s generated when you apply the brakes, and another to monitor how long it takes for that pressure to dissipate.
If either sensor detects an issue with your braking system, the car will stop automatically.
Can Cause Brake Pads to Wear Out Prematurely
There are many things that can lead to premature wear on your brake pads – from using them too hard or driving in wet conditions, to simply aging and losing their effectiveness over time.
In some cases, replacing worn-out brake pads may be all you need to restore optimal braking performance.
Stops Responding After Applying the Brakes
If your car stops responding after you apply the brakes – even if there’s no obvious sign of damage – take it to a service station as soon as possible so they can inspect everything closely and determine what might be wrong.
It could just be a simple problem like low fluid levels or debris blocking one of the sensors; but in most cases, repairing or replacing parts will fix whatever is causing the problem.
When to Replace Brake Pad Sensors of BMW E90
If you’re having trouble braking in your BMW E90, it may be time to replace the brake pad sensor.
This part monitors the friction between the pads and rotors, and if there’s a problem it will send a warning signal to the car’s computer.
Replacing this component can fix many brake issues on BMWs.
Difficulty Stopping Vehicle
If your brake pads are not working correctly, it may be difficult to stop the car. This can lead to a lot of problems including accidents.
If you notice that your brakes don’t seem to work as well as they used to, it’s probably time for a new brake pad sensor.
Brakes feel spongy or weak
If there is an issue with the brake pad sensors, then your braking system will likely feel spongy and weak.
This will make stopping in emergency situations very difficult and could even cause an accident if you don’t take corrective action soon enough.
Pedal feels mushy or non-responsive
A bad brake pedal sensor can cause the pedal to feel mushy or non-responsive when you try to apply pressure while braking.
This makes it very hard to avoid accidents and slows down your reaction time significantly during emergencies.
ABS Light Comes On intermittently
One common symptom of a faulty brake pad sensor is when the ABS light comes on intermittently (for example, once every few months).
If this happens, it means that one or more of the sensors has gone out of alignment – which can eventually lead to a failure in the entire braking system.
FAQs
Do BMW Brake Sensors Need to Be Replaced?
Yes, it needs to be replaced every 10 years.
Where Is a Brake Sensor Located?
Brake sensors are located on the front and back of your car. They are used to detect when your car is slowing down or coming to a stop.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Brake Sensor?
The average cost of replacing a brake sensor is around $250-2,000 depending on the car model and the manufacturer.
Can You Reuse Brake Pad Sensors?
Yes. Brake pads can be reused, but they should be replaced every time the vehicle is serviced.
For instance, if you want to reuse your brake pads, make sure that you check their condition before using them again.
What Does a Brake Sensor Look Like?
A brake sensor is an electronic device that is installed in a vehicle to detect when the brakes are applied.
To Recap
If you have a BMW E90 and are experiencing an issue with the brake pads not triggering, it is likely that the sensor has gone out.
You can replace this part relatively easily, but you will need to remove the front bumper first.
Your brake pad sensor is responsible for monitoring the condition of your brake pads and reporting that information to the car’s computer. If you experience any issues with your brakes, it may be helpful to check this component first.
However, if everything seems normal and there are no obvious signs of wear or tear on the sensors themselves, you can safely leave them alone.