Brake question

[EZMachN]

Recently my Parking Brake Light inside the car has been coming on when I brake and sometimes comes on during WOT. Do I just need to replace the rear brakes or should I have the dealership look at it before my warranty goes out? I have 5k miles left on warranty.

[banditmwp]

Check your brake fluid level first. The fluid could be sloshing around and causing the sensor to mis-read the level.

Brake fluid loss is normal as the pads wear down. When the pads are replaced, compressing the caliper pistons will push the fluid back into the reservoir.

[ncontt]

Originally Posted by banditmwp

Check your brake fluid level first. The fluid could be sloshing around and causing the sensor to mis-read the level.

Brake fluid loss is normal as the pads wear down. When the pads are replaced, compressing the caliper pistons will push the fluid back into the reservoir.

X2

[Italian LX]

Originally Posted by EZMachN

Recently my Parking Brake Light inside the car has been coming on when I brake and sometimes comes on during WOT. Do I just need to replace the rear brakes or should I have the dealership look at it before my warranty goes out? I have 5k miles left on warranty.

Yeah, what you have to realize is that is a dual purpose light. It's both a "parking brake engaged" light and a fluid level sensor. The way you worded your post makes me think that you assume it is just for the rear brakes.

As mentioned in the other replies, your fluid is probably just low. All you need to do is add some more fluid to the proper level. You'll also want to check how much pad life is left at all 4 corners since the low fluid is usally due to the pads being worn down.

[lukem80]

Originally Posted by EZMachN

Recently my Parking Brake Light inside the car has been coming on when I brake and sometimes comes on during WOT. Do I just need to replace the rear brakes or should I have the dealership look at it before my warranty goes out? I have 5k miles left on warranty.

+1 mine does this when I REALLY slam on the brakes. I need to check my fluid level I guess

[EZMachN]

I was only referring to my rear brake pads b/c they haven't been changed in over 31k miles. I had my fronts done at 16k miles and my rear were fine. I even had them checked at last oil change at 29k miles, and they still had life on them. So I figured finally they be ready to be replaced.

Also, do I need a special tool to replace the rear pads? I already have some bought and would like to do it myself if all it takes is taking the caliper off and swapping them. Or is there more to it?

[EZMachN]

Originally Posted by lukem80

+1 mine does this when I REALLY slam on the brakes. I need to check my fluid level I guess

Thats how mine started out, and then it got worse and starting coming on everytime I lightly stop and now when I gas it in second it will even come on which is weird.

[ncontt]

Originally Posted by EZMachN

Also, do I need a special tool to replace the rear pads? I already have some bought and would like to do it myself if all it takes is taking the caliper off and swapping them. Or is there more to it?

you shouldn't, a large "C" clamp is what I normaly use, OR before you take the old pads out you can stick either a large flathead screwdriver or a prybar in there and "GENTLY" push the piston back in to give you the needed clearance.

HTH

[banditmwp]

Originally Posted by ncontt

you shouldn't, a large "C" clamp is what I normaly use, OR before you take the old pads out you can stick either a large flathead screwdriver or a prybar in there and "GENTLY" push the piston back in to give you the needed clearance.

HTH

Rear pads have screw in caliper pistons, they need the little cube tool you can get at a parts store for ~$6. You just put a ratchet and extension on it and twist the piston in.

[natedawgg94]

you could check the e brake switch my truck did that for awhile til i realized my switch had some how got loose and was causing the light to come on now and then. may not be the problem but wouldn't hurt to check after you check the fluid level.