I had noticed a few weeks ago when rotating the tires that the pads were getting thin and made a mental notice to plan on doing the brakes. On Monday I got a yellow warning code on speedometer (just to the right of the red seatbelt light). I have attached a picture. It seems that this is a brake pad sensor.

So started the brake job on my 2004 Cooper S today.

Nothing difficult but a couple of questions. I couldn't locate the existing brake pad sensor that attaches to the inside brake pad. THere is a wire that goes down to the center of the hub but nothing that goes to the pad.

1. Does the 2004 have a break pad sensor?
2. What it the wire that goes to the hub?
3. If there is no brake pad sensor, what is the warning symbol mean.

Take Care

After some digging, I did the front passenger so no sensor at that position.

 

 

https://www.newtis.info/ They have an overview of the components as well as repair info.

 

I have the sensors in hand. Will do the drivers side and rear tomorrow. THe pads were about 1/8in thick.

 

If the plastic portion of the brake sensor is not worn, they can be reused. On the speed sensors, those that cost less than $55-65 are usually not worth the stamps they are mailed with.

 

 

You can do the rears without the special tool but it takes more time and you have to go to confession afterwards for all the curse words you use.

 

All you need to do is take a pair of needle nose pliers and put them in the divots and turn clockwise while pushing in. It’s not that hard. I only swore twice this weekend.

 

THanks for the heads up wrt rears. I am glad I didn't start on that yesterday as I had already used up all of my curse words for the day. When doing the drivers side disc, the index bolt stripped out. I used alot of choice words getting it out, retapped and finally finishing the break job. Although there was still about 1/8in of pad left, the rotor had ground the brake pad sensor down. Replacing it got rid of the warning on the display.

Will probably be a couple of weeks before I get to the rears. Already have a home project lined up for next weekend.
Ian

 

So I had this same light come up on my dash, and had a local shop replace the pads (not my regular MINI guy). The light is still on. They did not replace the sensors.

I'm online right now looking for sensors. And am I correct in reading that I only need one of each? One front (left) and one rear (right)?

 

correct