Inspecting and Bleeding Brakes

The pads should be removed at regular intervals and checked for wear or glazing. If they need replacement, see our page on brake pads and rotors.

Brake-light pressure sensor

The small pressure switch that triggers the brake lights threads into the rear brake line. It is a known wear item — the switch body can crack at the threaded fitting under repeated load, and when it lets go it lets go as a brake-line failure, not a brake-light failure. We have seen this take cars out on Lap 1 of Race 1.

Inspect at every brake-pad change:

• Look for any weep, residue, or staining around the sensor body and its line connection.

• Wiggle the sensor by hand. Any movement at the fitting means it's done.

• If you can't remember the last time it was replaced, replace it.

Switches are inexpensive and stocked by your dealer or RAW. Order a spare to keep in the trailer.