Mk4 Brake Pad Warning Sensor

[Archie]

Can anyone enlighten me as to how to properly disconnect the pad thickness sensor on the passenger front assembly? I don't want to botch it.

Also, what's the minimum pad thickness spec?

VW want to charge me £115 fully inclusive to fit a full set to the front. I can buy the two pad sets in Halfords for £50.

Oh and what size key do I need to remove the caliper bolts - is it 8mm Allen? or Hex?

Thanks.

[rtb51]

The connector has a small notch thing that you depress with your nail and just pull it apart. It's quite obvious when you look at it.
I don't know what the minimum thickness should be, but bear in mind the front pads wear fairly quickly, so if they look close to the discs, then change them.
Go to Europarts for the pads, I think you'll find them a fair bit cheaper than Halfords.
You don't need to remove the caliper when doing the front pads.
The rear caliper is a 7mm allen key. The bolts will probably be pretty tight, I found it best to use a 7mm socket type allen key, and just give it a sharp tap with a hammer.
Hope that helps.

[Archie]

Thanks. Are you sure you don't need to remove the caliper to do the fronts? How else can you access the pads?

[rtb51]

Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight. When I replaced mine, I replaced the discs at the same time so I had to remove the calipers. I thought you only had to remove the clips to do the pads, but yes, you do have to take the caliper of the mounting. Easy enough though. You should get both fronts and rears done in about 1 1/2 hours no problem.

[gtisteve]

Do you not need a special tool to wind the caliper pots back in?

[Say bye bye]

Im fairly sure the special tool is only needed to wind the piston back in the rear calipers