brake pad sensor wiring harness

[S Marks]

My front brake pad sensor wiring harnesses on both sides are shot and one side is missing. I see them for the '87-88 at AB...how different are they for the '89+ with ABS? Do they still carry these for a '90? Is this something that I should source out through one of the folks that part out trucks?

Thanks in advance.

Spencer

 

[jamesriversmallies]

I have a '91 with ABS, and I am actually going to disconnect the sensor on mine. I have one that's fried, so the light stays on all the time. My thinking is that I don't need a sensor to tell me when I need new pads. Just a thought.

If someone thinks disconnecting is a bad idea, please speak up.

 

[92rrrandall]

I agree...just remove the brake pad sensor harness. The harness enters the cabin under the passenger seat. Remove the passenger seat trim like you are going to look at the EFI code box. Snip the harness wires under the seat. The just remove the wires from the vehicle.

The brake warning light will still illuminate if the parking brake is on or the brake fluid gets low. You should be able to determin if your brake pads are worn out without any light on the dash.

Randall

 

[S Marks]

I agree...just remove the brake pad sensor harness. The harness enters the cabin under the passenger seat. Remove the passenger seat trim like you are going to look at the EFI code box. Snip the harness wires under the seat. The just remove the wires from the vehicle.

The brake warning light will still illuminate if the parking brake is on or the brake fluid gets low. You should be able to determin if your brake pads are worn out without any light on the dash.

Randall

So, a light will not continue to illuminate on the dash if these sensors are unplugged or removed?

 

[92rrrandall]

The light should not illuminate from removing the sensor wires. All you have to do is dissconnect at pads to test.

 

[Velocewest]

The "sensor" is not a sensor, it's just an open connection. When the pad wears down far enough it closes and turns on the light. If you cut the wires, you're preserving the "open" state, so no light.

 

[sven]

My front brake pad sensor wiring harnesses on both sides are shot and one side is missing.

BTW, there is one pad sensor per axle, on opposite sides. So you're not missing one.

I agree with disconnecting it, you dont need it. My RRC brakes lasted forever.

 

[S Marks]

Thanks to all for the information... :applause:

 

[cmoore207]

Digging up an old thread through a search...

Am I correct in assuming that I can install new pads that do not have the built-in sensor, and just leave the connector hanging, with no ill effect? I put in some of the Delphi pads (with sensor) that AB sells a couple weeks ago and the squeeking is driving me crazy. Just want to throw some AutoZone pads in there this weekend to see if that stops it, but they don't include the connector.

 

[az_max]

Digging up an old thread through a search...

Am I correct in assuming that I can install new pads that do not have the built-in sensor, and just leave the connector hanging, with no ill effect? I put in some of the Delphi pads (with sensor) that AB sells a couple weeks ago and the squeeking is driving me crazy. Just want to throw some AutoZone pads in there this weekend to see if that stops it, but they don't include the connector.

yes, zip tie the connector to the brake line or something so it doesn't get damaged.


I had to chamfer the leading edge of the AB/BP pads I bought to keep from squeeking. Shouldn't have to do that with new pads.