Front brake pads worn light

[gmbwrenchn]

2005 Jetta. 2.0ltr. {BEV} Just recently the front brake pads worn light has come on. they are fine. I checked them. Is there a way to reset that warning light? Thanks.

[Franco2112]

No reset. Your brake sensor is more than likely your problem if your pads are good.
Just a quick question. Did you remove the wheels and check all sides of the brake assembly?

[gmbwrenchn]

Nope...........Never touched them. How much "good pad should there be? Can I replace that sensor myself? Or is it a "take it in dealer thing". thanks.

[Franco2112]

Generally you have about 2000 miles of pad service from the onset of the indicator and could be less due to driving style. Your sensor is actually connected to your pad itself. So your pads are most likely due for a change out. Not a big deal to change pads if you have the right tools and have changed brakes before or have a buddy that can do it. Just remove one tire and see if you would be comfortable in changing them. If you decide to change your brakes on your own get your brake pads and fluid from VW. If not, most VW dealers are running a special on brakes.
http://www.hallvwmilwaukee.com/parts...rintcoupon.jsp

[gmbwrenchn]

Is that warning light valid for BOTH front or back brakes? The rears do look a little worn. Any special tricks on these calipers ? Do you screw the piston in or push it in. Should I get the rotors from VW too? Thanks for the help.

[Franco2112]

Light is just for the front brakes. No special trick, just a little messy(Brake fluid).
Press in calipers. Your rear brakes are not as thick as your front brakes so you may not need to change them as they are visually thin. If they are making noise or the parking brake has issues it's probably time to change them. I would not change the rotors unless you have a steering shimmy while braking or uneven braking. And yes if you need the rotors VW.

[gmbwrenchn]

So would you just go ahead and change the pads because of the indicator light on or do some sort of pad check. Thanks.

[Franco2112]

Yes, checking the pad wear is the first step, but i'm sure you will find them worn and causing the light to come on. How many miles on the brakes/car?

[gmbwrenchn]

Not sure on the miles. 36k total. Bought it used. Are there any wear indicators on the pads I can go by?

[Franco2112]

The brakes most likely have never been changed with this mileage. Yes you can go to a local parts store like NAPA and get their brands with sensors, but i just trust OEM VW parts. You just remove and replace with no other issues. It's really up to you.
FYI, your 40k service is coming up. Fuel filter, Spark plugs, Air Filter, Check Timing Belt(Really Important), Oil Change, V-Belt Check and More. Dealer cost about $450.

[gmbwrenchn]

There is no sensors on the rear pads? What is that, just eyeball when I think they are worn? Also......thanks for that coupon link. It's right on the way home from work.

[Franco2112]

That's right no sensor on the rear. When my rear brakes wore out it started making a squeaking noise and the brake peddle was mushy. They wore out around 70k.

[gmbwrenchn]

Ok...I pulled the front wheel. There is NO pad sensor wire. So........how is the sensor light being activated? Thanks.

[Franco2112]

Did you remove both sides? I believe the sensor is on the drivers side.

[gmbwrenchn]

Great........ 50/50 chance and I pull the pass side. Thanks for the tip.