I got a "Brake Pads Low" warning display yesterday. I cleared it and when I used the car later the same day, I got no such warning. I suspect the rear pads are getting low since they seem to wear quicker than the fronts. I have about 20k miles on the front and the rears since the last time I replaced pads.


Does the fact that the warning message came on mean that I have to replace the sensor when I get the pads replaced? Normally I would just replace the sensor, but the Jaguar sensors are pretty expensive, so I'm a bit reluctant to throw away a perfectly good sensor. Will the mechanic be able to easily tell whether the sensor needs replacing?


Thanks!

 

If you didn't let the brake pads get so low that they wore the sensor down to nothing, you can usually reuse them. Sometimes the sensors are hard to remove from the pads, but if your careful it can be done. Watch you don't lose the small clips that lock the sensors in place.

 

I told my mechanic to be careful with my rear sensor and he was able to replace the pads without having to replace the sensor. Also, I had the pads replaced very shortly after I got the low pads warning, so maybe the sensor did not get warn out.

 

Curious...which pads did you go with?..anything to reduce dust?

 

I got Akebono Euro Ultra Premium from Rockauto for $60 shipped. Supposedly very low dust.

 

I think this will be the appropriate thread for my question. I heard a mild squeak noise while braking today. I am not sure where it was coming from (right vs left, front vs back). I have not had any warning displays yet. (I dont even know if mine has the electronic warning)

In any case, what does it mean? I bought it as CPO 13k miles and out another 5k in the last 4 months or so. I dont drive hard/rough at all. If my car has electronic warning system, does that mean I should not worry until I get the warning sign?

I'll continue to observe with my window down for any change in the sound. Thank youfor your advice and help.

2011 XF Luxury

 

Brake squeal is not a reliable indicator of brake wear.

Driving the car too gently can, ironically, result in squeaky brakes. Use the brakes very hard periodically and they should not squeak or squeal. Make sure nobody is behind you if you brake your Jaguar very hard!!!

 

Put Akebonos on the S-Type. Very low dust. Can't wait to put a set on the XJ. I can't keep my Coventry wheels clean!

 

Thank you for your response. You are right. I took it to the dealer yesterday, the brake pads were fine. It was caliper spring in both the front brakes that was causing it. Fixed.

 

Just for your information, you can get either sensor on eBay from a supplier in Milwaukee, WI called m.g-parts for $18.99 each with free shipping.

I broke both sensors on my car today trying to get them off the pads.

I will be ordering these replacements but to get my car back on the road, all you have to do is cut the wires about 2 inches from the plug and shorting the wires together and taping it will fool the car into a normal mode.

 

Do you really think these are the correct part for only $18.99 when the OEM Jaguar part is over $70? Also, the front and the rear sensors are not the same part. I noticed that Rockauto has sensors made by Ate for under $7. That too doesn't sound right. At least you can call and quiz them. Let us know what you find. At that price, I'll buy a set just to have on hand for my front pad replacement.

 

The pictures of the parts are correct. And yes, the back is different.

I have a set coming and I will verify they are correct. The front sensor should be easy enough to to install without removing the caliper, the back will require me to take the caliper off to insert the sensor.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if these are aftermarket Ford sensors and not Jaguar specific. But please let us know if they are actual Jag parts. At that price I too will buy some for the future. I spent $60 on one last time

 

Got the parts today, they were in unmarked, sealed bags. After removing the parts and comparing side-by-side with the old units, they are exactly the same length, and composition (same rubber holder spot, connectors, sensor ends).

I will be installing the front one in a few minutes to make sure all is good. I will report back soon.

 

Here is the back

 

Looks good to me. At a minimum, if I order the $7 sensors from Rockauto, I can compare them to the ones in your photo and see if they look the same.

 

Both sensors were perfect. The front one was able to just slot in without taking the caliper off, the rear had to be quickly removed and the back pad removed so you could take the spring off and slot it all back together. I have some pictures but I can't seem to put more than one one per post, so they will be in 4 posts.

Here is the front:

 

Front sensor

 

Rear

 

Rear sensor