Just replaced the front brake pads today on the 944S2, The inner pads had worn down to the sensor tabs and the warning light had lit up in the instrument panel. Good thing they did, because my father uses this car and I hadn't checked the brake pad thickness nor had he.

For the pads, I decided to try something new from a German supplier that I had seen in Pano: www.mittelmotor.de. They sent me an aftermarket brand called NK, which I had never heard of. We'll see how they turn out.

Got new sensors and noise dampeners from the dealer, and put them in as well. Replacement was pretty uneventful. There's a small metal clip you can use to secure the sensor wire that crosses over to the outer pad.

Do you use brake pad sensors on your 944?

 

No, I shorted mine out. I check the pads as part of my usual routine (oil, etc) so I dont see the point of dumping money on silly little sensors that will simply break as soon as I try to remove them. Its also one less thing in the way, ive got all the wire harness' tucked out of the way.

 

I haven't used them in a few years because I bought my car primarily as a track car. There is a lot of heavy braking at my home track (Sebring) and they heat up and melt really easily.

Sounds like in your case it was a good idea though. I change the pads out between the street and track because I use a better compound for the track.

 

Yeah, on a track car I guess you certainly keep a close eye on those pads.

 

Certainly do. It is pretty difficult to not think about it when you can flip your track fuchs over, and drop them on the ground a leave a really big "brake dust ring" at the garages down there. I'll take a picture next time and put it in my sig. Pretty cool.

 

I ditched my sensors several years ago when I installed the S4/951 system. I switch pads out between sessions enough that I am well aware of the condition of the pads (and for that matter the rotors, fluid, etc). Honestly those sensors are really for people who never look at their car's systems until something goes wrong..............or for those who want a perfect, original car.....not that there is anything wrong with that.