soontobered84

When I drove the '89 around the block, I got a warning about the front brake pads. Last night, I pulled the front wheels to see what was going on there. Brake pads were about 1/2 done, but the sensors (2 per caliper) were crap. PO's mechanic had clipped a connector across both wires of the sensor to keep the sensor from working. Also looked closely at the steering rack boots and they need to be replaced. No leaks so far, though.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

So far that's not too bad. New pads and sensors and new steering rack boots will probably be about $100 for parts.
DIY install is not too bad either. When changing rack boots, attach a laser pointer to the front wheel and mark a target on a wall. When reinstalling tie rod, adjust laser spot back to target.
Other tips and better on Rennlist by searching.
Good luck,

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I saw your name and thought 84. Your brake pads and sensors may be a little more $ than mine.

TJS

Like the PO I doubt i'd replace the sensors either. Unless you don't check your pads regularly/at all, then there doesn't seem to be a lot of point in them. Earlier models (like my 86.5) weren't even fitted with them. At the end of the day this is just another thing to go wrong, and if you do get to the point when the warning comes on, then you've trashed sensors which are worth probably as much as the brake pads themselves (? I dunno how much the sensors actually are here though).

soontobered84

Sensors are $10-15 each. In Texas, a car will not pass inspection with a warning light on. My point is: why jury rigg it? why not just do it right?

Dave, '89 is a new experience for me. I think '84 for me, too! I already had some steering rack boots, so it's just the sensors and new brake pads WYAIT.

the flyin' scotsman

You now own the car so why not fix/repair what required and be done.

WTPOTT?

ROG100

John,
It is obvious that the strain of replacing the brake sensors is tooooooo much for you.
Give the car to me and I will look after it for you.
Roger

Shark Attack

I have 90 of those I would love to get rid of some.. I think they are for OB though. PM me if anyone wants some.. Ill go $15/pr shipped in the USA

N421LV

What is a good replacement pad for street use? Not sure what the PO put on my car, but they sure do put out the dust!

Mike Frye

SA,

I just checked, it looks like there's at least three or four different wear sensors depending on year and whether or not it's Euro.

Shame, I could have used a set (got them jumped out right now).

bd0nalds0n

There are wear sensors on all four calipers. Woe unto him whose brake pad light doesn't go out after they're all replaced--there are a LOT of points of failure in the brake pad light circuit. WallyP posted a trace of the route a while back.

SeanR

Sorry I didn't call you back John, my phone was off and it just beeped at me, telling me I had a VM.

Call me if you didn't get that wire figured out.

soontobered84

Malcolm,
Sorry if I have offended in some way. I am just excited about the car and things that I have found or more specifically not found. I currently AM in the process of correcting the last several PO's transgressions.

the flyin' scotsman

John.......no offence taken

The sensors are one of those Porsche designs I personally think is overkill. If you do most of your own work and have the wheels off periodically it takes seconds to inspect the brake pads hence the sensor requirement is omitted.

Then again if you want the car as close to factory as possible spend the cash for the new sensors and install..........your choice.

soontobered84

Malcolm,
Would you not get a warning if the sensors are not present? Or could that be disabled?