The "red" brake light on the tachometer is coming on when I accelerate, it stays on for a short time then goes off. This started last week one a day per day, now the frequency has increased and the light never goes on when I apply the brakes.
I do have the brake wear sensors and I inspected the pads and it looks like I have between 3/4" to 1" of pad life left, so I'm thinking the pads are good.
I was wondering if anyone else has this experience?
I'm going to pull the tires and calipers this weekend for a detailed inspection.

 

Another question....if I replace the pads do I have to replace the brake sensor as well?

 

i know this is going to give you a wierd gut feeling, but we have all pretty much done it one time or another

to your first question. 99.999% sure you just need brake fluid. mini's like most cars use the ebrake light when you are low on brake fluid. and that why it comes on during hard acceleration. if you notice it probobly does it if you sit on an incline

2. if your sensor has not been tripped then no you dont need to replace it just becarefull when you take it off not to snap the clip like i did

just look through your rims. if your pads are thicker then the metal backing the pad is connected on then you dont need new ones, once they get about the same size then you should replace

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll check the fluid level and pad thickness.

 

if your pads need replaced, and your sensors are tripped, your brake light should not come on. there is a separate light for that on your speedo. i agree with checking your fluid for starters

 

It's best to remove the wheels and with a light look at ALL the pads and make sure they are wearing even. We are seeing more and more rear inside pads going bad early and if caught early will save you cash. If not you may find this, https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...75&postcount=6 note the front pad looked "fine" to the owner.

 

Thanks everyone for all the feedback.

Does my R50 take a specific type of brake fluid?

 

If you are having the brake light come on & off as you describe you indeed are low on fluid. The fluid is sloshing around in the master causing the on & off of the light. The cause is pads that are getting close to worn out.

As AX said pull the wheels & check the brakes.

 

Well I did it....I changed out my front brakes and the brake sensor was not worn or show any signs of wear, but the pads were very low.

It's been raining off an on here in Mass all summer (it seems like) and I barely squeezed in the front brakes and didn't get a chance to check out the rear brakes, is it a 1:1 ratio, I know with disc vs. drum it's a 1:2 ratio.

The brake cylinder level increased as the brake pistions were set for the new pads, and the level is slightly below the full indicator.

Thanks to everyone for all their help and input..this site provides awesome support.

 

Glad you got the pads in & it solved the problem. It's been my experience that the rear pads last at least twice what the front ones do. That being said when you get a chance take a look see at the rears. I bet you won't need them yet, but it will give you an idea how far you can go on them & also give you some peace of mind.

Also if it's been a while. Say over 2 years I'd recommend changing out the brake fluid.

 

+1!

I feel like I do on Saturday mornings when I listen to those 2 mechanics on NPR - I guessed the problem and I was right... but (like with the radio show) you didn't hear my guessing...