gedis080

Is brake pad wear sensor (4E0615437A) removable/changeable from brake pad ? from this diagram I assume that it is
http://catalog.vagauto.com.ua/img/au.../667615550.png
I'm asking because I'm thinking about to change front brake pads before I get wear indication on, and because I don't see logical and financial reason to wait till I have to buy not only pads but sensors as well which is one sensor equals the set of brake pads

MP4.2+6.0

They are not a separate part like they are my Q5 (or A/S 4,5, etc.).

gedis080

I have checked with OEM VAG parts supplier and he confirmed that part 4E0615437A can be ordered separately ~60 USD for one.
Here are pictures of some manufactures which are making these sensors, so it means that they are changeable.

03_AR_CO

Never seen anything of the kind, but even if they are available why would you buy them? Seriously, a set of new pads costs only a few dollars more. If you want to just fool the display warning you can create a loop at the chassis connector.

gedis080

probably you misunderstood me ...
as I wrote the sensors are OK on my car, no warning light, still ~1/3 of brake pads left
so the initial question was if it is possible to install JUST new pads, because sensors are still GOOD, what for to change them and bin ~130 USD ?

MP4.2+6.0

First person, I have changed and used Audi D3 OE pads, both the 4.2 and 6.0 part number variants. The sensors are cast into the pad material and you could not remove them except with a cutting tool, absolutely destroying the pad in the process. 100% confident in that answer for U.S. or any equivalent fitment. To after install fit in like in the picture, you would have to custom machine the pad material--there is no such notch or void to fit the pad side of that sensor in the picture otherwise.

I know the picture and have see sensors like those shipped in an occasional box of EBC red pads for the rears. However, they are simply not used in the front. nor have I com across a rear fitment for them so far on any Audi even though I ended up with a set or two in some non-OE rear pad boxes. Nor were they removable BTW on my 2000 4.2 A6 with the same front brakes as the D2 A8 (HP2's), nor my C4 A6, nor even my C3 5000 (100). But, again I have seen the removable sensors so know the general set up and the pockets left in the pad material or backing plate for them where used. They are used on my 2010 Mini in both S and JCW configurations, and are used on my 2013 Audi Q5 (in common with Audi B8 platform based vehicles/drivetrains), both in the regular brake set up or in the RS5 upgrade swap outs.

gedis080

I'm talking about S8 D3 with ceramic brakes 380X38MM ? correct ?, maybe they are different .. otherwise ETKA wouldn't show separate part numbers for pads and sensors, and they wouldn't be available to by separately, true or not ?
Anyhow soon I will see it myself.
Here is actual picture of sensor, made by Brembo for VAG:

aTOMic

Oh snap!

gedis080

As per title - confirmed

(At least one time sensors can be removed from old pads and reused because during removing process most likely one side will brake and sensor can't be properly fixed in its position in brake pad, so epoxy glue in my case was used)

MP4.2+6.0

The confusion in this part of the thread that trailed off over a year ago has to do with most of the board population being in North America where there is no ceramic brake rotor option, and then a few others who are elsewhere with ceramic brakes. Yes on ceramic rotor set ups with the Brembo calipers, it is a separate part, and a ridiculously overpriced one by the way. In other fitments not tied to this 380mmm set up like the S8/W12/R8 are, the sensor is a lot less and the only difference appears to be the connector end. On non-ceramic rotor set ups like we all have in Noth America it is just cast into the front pad in either OE/dealer pads or various of the common indy ones like EBC Reds and some others. On true ceramics, sensor is expensive enough it may make sense to change pads early to save sensor from sacrificing itself.