Is it necessary to replace the brake sensors when doing a brake job.
2012 Cooper S

 

if they triggered the light absolutely as you will have the warning on the dash even with new pads

If they didn't trigger the light but are worn then the estimated replacement mileage would be incorrect

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People who check the pads/rotors constantly will tell you that they don't replace them, they just tie them up out of the way. For most folks it makes sense to spend the $20 or so to replace them. I always figure that if I sell the car, the next guy would benefit from getting a warning about the brakes.

 

I intend to put them back properly in the event I sell the car.

 

If you trip the sensor then yes, if not and the sensor head are not bonded and rusted to the pad backing and you can get them out, they are reusable. One in the front left, one in the rear right.

If you do sell the car down the road the next person might not know if you do the tie back method.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Braking/Sensors/

 

While it is possible to reuse an untripped sensor, I find that they just tend to fall apart when you try to get them out of the old pads. With new sensors only being $40 or so, why not?

 

The brake pad sensors are usable. Even though the sensor may be reused, they become brittle and do not always fit tightly into the new pads when reused. On MINI R56 models, the brake pad wear sensor has been updated. It is now more dedicated and prone to breaking when removed. The sensor is no longer a simple wire circuit that is broken when pad wear hits the minimum. It is now a two-stage wear sensor. This provides the vehicle with more accurate brake pad monitoring. So if the sensor shows the slightest bit of wear, replace it. We have a great DIY for brake pad sensor testing here (still relevant to your 2012 MCS), which provides the information I shared and more. But! Honestly, with the labor involved to get to them, set up a meter and all I would just replace the sensors if in doubt. If you have the time to test and would rather not replace, that's always your choice as well.

 

Ok,thanks everyone.
The brake light is on.

 

Got it apart and see how it works!
The pads are still thick.The pad with the sensor is a little thinner than the outboard one causing the sensor to activate.
Could have gone a few thousand miles more but may not have been able to turn the rotors.
Doing the rear brakes today anyway.

 

Thanks for the update.