Have I disconected my ABS?
 

I have an 86 300E. I recently replaced my front brake pads. I think the original pads were still on the car. On the internal pads there were a wire connected to the top were the spring is. I just disconected the wire to get it out of the way for my new pads, but I'm wondering what the wire is. Maybe just a heat sensor? I just havent felt my ABS since I did the repair, so I'm thinking something to do with that? thanks. -Joe

The coiled wire is the sensor for brake pad thickness and has nothing to do with ABS.

ok, thats good to know then. Is there any reason to try to connect it back again?

It would be a good idea to reconnect the wire rather than leaving it hanging. Just pull the wheel and reconnect, its really easy to do.

If the wire has worn insulation at the end (where it inserts into the pad), the warning light will come on on the dash. The friction from the disk/rotor wears the insulation off when the pad is worn down enough, grounding the bulb to illuminate so you'll know the pads need replacing. I dip the worn end in a bit of silicone or that liquid tape stuff and re-use the wires.

Or you can disconnect the wire and throw the whole thing away - as long as you're prepared to keep an eye on the pads as they get older.

Original pads on a car with 235K? I don't think so.

I too reused my sensors. There's no need to throw out good parts and waste money.

I probably would reuse the but in the heat of the moment, I used a screw driver to just tare the wire out of the pad. the sensor end is in pieces. But who really needs a sensor for break pads. Personaly I love my 300E because it is so simple. I hate when computers get in the way a performance. I don't need a light to come on everytime my oil is low, light is out, or brake pads are worn. Thats part of maintaining a fun car. I will probably just hide the wire away from any moving parts for now. thanks