I've just been told at my service (at my local non-FIAT dealer) that my front brake pads need replacing in, and I quote, "a fortnight or so".

But the sensor hasnt said anything?! Any comments / ideas?

1 idea would be to replace the pads within the next 2 weeks.

lol, that shall be done of course. My only concern is to why the sensor didnt flag this up?

If your pads are that bad they might of worn through the sensor.

most likely reason is that your pads aren't that bad (i think it has to below 2.5mm thickness for the warning) but the dealer believes they will need replacing before the next service interval.

Mine were found to be down to 3mm when the tracking was done - no warning from the sensors - pads were changed there and then.

never ever rely on the sensor, more often than not they dont work.

The sensor is usually just a bit of wire that makes an earth connection when it meets the brake pad, it's not uncommon for the wire to be damaged and if the metal back of the pad meets the disc it could mean a pair of new discs plus of course the inconveneince of an immediate replacement (as in stop and call the AA for a tow). If the sensors are working then even when the light comes on your OK to drive for a few days or even a week of so depending on mileage, it's often just cheaper and more convenient for the gagrage to do it during the service, unless you are prepared to get your hands dirty.

Generally how can you tell if your pads need replacing?

My brakes have started to screech a bit when stopping...

paulmacs said:

Generally how can you tell if your pads need replacing?

My brakes have started to screech a bit when stopping...

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When you start hitting things ... its a good sign the pads might need doing.

Bo~Select@ said:

When you start hitting things ... its a good sign the pads might need doing.

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Ha! Have a look! Once the brake pad thickness gets to matchstick width size it's well worth the £20 pad replacement for a life changing experience

Try finding a set of Stilo 1.6 pads for £20. Cheapest quote I've had is from FIAT at around £50 . . .

Just found a set for £37 or so - just click on shop4parts link on advert bar at top

That is for fronts only, though.

EDIT - Ahh, with postage comes to £47.12, lol - in that case, go to dealership

EBC Black pads

£28.99 inc vat and shipping (£16.80 ex vat and shiping) or just pop into your local partco, they'll give you a discount if you ask.

http://www.ebcbrakesdirect.com

Did a price check at work (halfrauds). Partco want £70 for the front set, but halfords trade brings them down to around the £50 mark. Will speak to Colin on monday and beg for a discount . . .

Got some halfords rear brake shoes for my Brava for 1p! Was well worth the search in the warehouse!

if you hear a grinding noise when u start to brake usually it means that the pads have worn down too far but dont worry it isnt always instant brake disc renewal i once went 3 weeks wondering what that grinding noise was ) hehe

oh and that was brake disc renewal
maybe i should have changed the pads

Ive also been told on my 24k service my brakes pads want doing. They said do you want us to change them while it is in for serve and i heard before that they wanted 100 notes just for a mk1 punto which are a peice of pissa nd cost 15 quid

How much anyone know for a 53 plate 2004 1.4 stilo active set me back?

rroope said:

Did a price check at work (halfrauds). Partco want £70 for the front set, but halfords trade brings them down to around the £50 mark. Will speak to Colin on monday and beg for a discount . . .

Got some halfords rear brake shoes for my Brava for 1p! Was well worth the search in the warehouse!

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Your partco is taking the p155, i bought mine from there for £23.

There is a big Parts place near me (rotherham) an people from patrco come in there to fill peoples orders, go back to partco and sell them on, dearer.
I have seen it happen.