What is this wheel cable?

[Super Californilistic]

Hi, I just became owner of California T5. After inspection I discovered the front left wheel has couple of strange positioned cables. What could those be? How safe is it to drive the car with these disconnected?
The lower one is just hanging and rubbing against the rotating rim.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi, I just became owner of California T5. After inspection I discovered the front left wheel has couple of strange positioned cables. What could those be? How safe is it to drive the car with these disconnected?
The lower one is just hanging and rubbing against the rotating rim.

View attachment 88689

The only 2 things it could be, as far as I am aware, are:-
1. Brake Pad wear sensor.
2. ABS sensor, but if it was that you would have error lights showing on the Dashboard.

 

[rod_vw]

Brake pad wear sensor connection. Someone has broken the main loom end so connected the two wires together to prevent the warning coming up on the dash. Probably done by some ham-fisted person when changing the front pads.
The complete connector should be clipped into the bracket on the top of the calliper. If you are worried about the hanging wire you can use a cable strap to fix it up to that bracket.

It's not a problem as long as you remember that there is no wear indication on the dash for the front pads. It won't affect the warning for the rear ones.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

If the pads are very low now, perhaps take it up with the seller as the electrical splice looks fairy new as no dirt in the connection (unless recently cleaned).

I’m not sure if it would have been flagged on last MOT as wheels are not removed but may have been noticed when up on the ramps.

Would also get the van thoroughly checked over in case any similar bodges have been carried out by previous owners to save a few £.

 

[Super Californilistic]

Thank you all for the answers.
There is no ABS warning light on dashboard and in previous check reports there was error on the pads wear sensor. The seller informed he has fixed it. Obviously not.
Many promises but problems are not solved. The seller is a car dealer. I am afraid I’ll have to get myself a lawyer.

 

[rod_vw]

It's a car dealer, he has 'fixed it' but not repaired it!

But it will need the proper connector replacing on the loom end which will not be easy, VW supply only and not a stock item anywhere I guess.