daryll40

My 2009 LS460 AWD is now at 76000 miles. I've had brake pads replaced before, but never did the brake pad sensors trigger the light on the dashboard. This time I got the warning and had a good independent mechanic replace all 4 brake pad sets. He told me that the car needed new sensors as well, but Lexus charges $130 each and he was able to "repair" them, thus saving me over $500. This guy has been great for me in the past.

A few days after the work, the "you need brake pads" (or whatever) warning light came on again. So I guess I'll have to take the car back for new sensors. Do these REALLY cost that much? Do you all spend that kinda dough (more than the pads) every time the cars need brakes?

What's the real deal here?

halfcut

I think if the pad gets too far worn it ruins the sensor. When I did my brakes a few weeks ago the front left had a small wear mark in it but is working fine.


There does seem to be a lot of non lexus alternatives available.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...parttype=10283

greg3852

Check out eBay. They are like $10-15 for the sensors.

Rear Sensor

Unsober1

There are many places to find cheap sensors. You actually don't "need" the sensor either. You just loose the ability to have a warning. I was in the same position as you and didn't know what to do and had new pads on. What I did was cut the wire just before the sensor, and tired the wire together completing the circuit. It bought me time until I figured out where to buy the sensor before my next pads change.

roadfrog

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Disc-Brake-P...NV79vl&vxp=mtr

Tec80

The "sensor" really is a mechanical fuse. Plastic molded over a thin ribbon connecting the 2 wires leading to the sensor. Once the pad wears level with the plastic, it is only a short time before the ribbon is worn through, opening the circuit and turning the light on. The key is to inspect your pads every so often (I do it during 5k tire rotations) and replace them before they wear down to the level of the sensor. I do this without even turning the rotors, & have pad changes down to a science. It's definitely one of those "pay a little now vs. a lot later" deals.

aaauae

Cut the sensor wires , and splice them and join them together ,the light will be gone , but make sure to disconnect battery before doing this , but if you arent the kind who wouldnt know about the need of brake pad replacment without a sensor indicating , its better to get new wires

I did it on my car and i am happy

daryll40

My mechanic ended up ordering some non-Lexus sensors and did all 4 wheels for $150. I am pleased. Thank you all for the info,

greg3852

There are only 2 sensors. But as long as you are happy.

daryll40

You are correct! Your post caused me to examine the bill more closely. It was $150 for two sensors. Heck, I thought we were talking about four $130 Lexus sensors. Even two at $260 total would be high, but I thought we were talking about a $520 cost. I learned something new. Anyway, for $150 my problem is solved. Thanks, all, for the education here.

Doublebase

^^^This.

If my sensors weren't able to be saved while I was doing my brake job, I would have done what you did. I have no need whatsoever for a brake sensor - come to think of it - I have no need for tire pressure monitors either. If only it were as easy to bypass a tire pressure monitor system, I would do it in a heartbeat...can't stand those things. I'm in the process of replacing a couple on my car...got them installed and they couldn't be programmed. Called the parts store and they said, yeah it happens all the time, you'll have to buy the more expensive ones. Well that's just great! Not only do I have to spend more, but now I have to take the crap ones out.