How long can you drive with the brake sensor on until you get into the rotors? Mine just came on tonight on the way home but I have to order pads. Also recommend some reasonable pads for a 2009 MCS that won't break the bank.
Thanks

 

Not sure on how long, but don't forget to order a new brake sensor(s). Once they trigger a light they're no good. I'm sure people will post how to bypass it and use your eyes to check brake wear, but you'll still won't have a brake sensor wherever it was triggered in the future.

 

you've got a thousand or more, easily

I like EBC reds

try Way for pads ....

do you need rotors too??????

 

You've usually got about 2-3 weeks depending on driving style, we have both Hawk and SP Performance pads in stock ready to ship. The SP pads are cheaper cost wise and seem to brake about the same with a bit more dust.

 

The Hawks say "track only" . I don't track so are they unsuitable? Hows the dust if they can be streeted? Thanks

 

My service light came on and dash showed a pic of a MINI on a lift so it was actually time to upgrade my brakes and switch to slotted rotors. While I was waiting for my new parts (rotors,pads) to arrive a red BRAKE came on my tach and the service pic remained. No big deal so I did the brake job and then did the dance with the buttons on the tach and the lights for SERVICE and also BRAKE remain lit. My doors have lost their auto locking feature so what do I do now? Car braking system works better than new.

ISAMIN

 

Sorry didn't answer your question but, no, I don't need rotors at this time. I always try to get 2 pad sets out of my rotors. Sometimes I can even run more but I've never HAD to mail order pads before. Just ran down to NAPA and got them.

 

The Hawk pads come in multiple variations, from street use to track use. We have multiple variations on the shelf we just need to know what kind of driver you are and what you're using the car for.

 

What's your driving style?

I have Akebono Euro Ceramics on my 2009 MCS, with Brembo solid rotors. They're okay. Not as aggressive as the EBC's I used to have, but they've lasted a long time, and no dust!!!
As soon as the OEM pads on my JCW wear down, they'll be swapped out, and rotors replaced. I can't stand that dust!!

You can drive for awhile with your brake sensor light on, but I'd take a look at the pads on all four corners. If it just came on, you're probably good.

 

Which EBC's did you have before the Akebono's?

 

I drive 40 miles each way to work but its ALL highway. Very very little brake use. I've ordered brakes but won't be here until later this coming week. Can you install the sensors later as I don't think they'll be here in time.

 

sure, you,ll just have to put up with the light being on. You can also cut the old sensor off, strip the wire, and solder the leads together to trick the light to go off.

 

IIRC, they were the Greens. Great pads, little bit noisy, but you can stop pretty damn quick on them. The Akebono's need a little bit more braking space, but they're quieter and less dust.
I'm putting Akebono's severe duty rated pads on my 2010 Sierra Denali. I don't know what I'll put on the JCW, but one or two more times cleaning up those wheels, and something else will probably probably replace those pads. They're nasty!

 

They can be installed later, but don't wait to long.
Right now, the rear sensor on my 2009 is just tie-wrapped in place. It had to be replaced after I ran over a section of chain link fencing in the snow, that got caught up in the rear brake/wheel area. The pad was worn down enough that it wouldn't fit in the slot.
The sensor in the front is pretty easy to install, the sensor in the rear is a little bit harder. They put the connector up inside the lower rocker area. It's a little tough to get in there with your hands and there is a tie-wrap that has to be installed after you replace it, to secure the connector in place.
The sensors are not swappable ( front to rear). One of them is longer than the other.

 

The brake sensors have two warning levels. The yellow light can be reset (there are youtube videos for the procedure), but the red light comes on when the second trigger in the sensor is tripped and cannot be reset until you replace the sensor.
I just got new pads myself and it looked like there would be plenty of pad to use before the sensor starts to wear. As long as you dont mind the light you should have lots of time to put in the new sensor.