Steering angle sensor refurb | |
I had occasionally been getting los tres amigos for several weeks now and narrowed it down to the usual suspect, the steering angle sensor.
Did some research and was presented with the following options:
1. Replace the sensor at a garage for 600 euros parts and 300 euros labor / programming.
2. Purchase an aftermarket sensor for 150 plus 300 on labor / programming
3. Purchase a used part for 50 plus 300 on labor and programming
4. Purchase the contacts / brushes assembly kit off eBay for 100 euros and install myself and avoid the need for reprogramming.
Being slightly adventurous (and a cheapskate), I went with #4.
Overall, it isn't too difficult a job but does take some patience as dealing with the bolts involved can be quite the head scratcher.
Biggest problem is access. As this topic has already been covered before and there are a couple of excellent videos on YouTube, I'll just keep this as short as possible with some real-life tips and comments.
1. You don't need to remove the steering wheel or the dash.
2. Remove the cowling, console side panel, foot well panel AND side panel of the dash.
3. Hardest part to undo and refit is the column connection bolt with the nylock nut. Needs a 13 socket and a 13 wrench to hold the head, otherwise will spin.
4. The 4 steering column mounting bolts can be accessed as follows:
-lower two are pretty much straightforward with a 13 socket and an extension.
-Upper two are trickier. A flexible / articulated socket is needed, especially on the one on the inner side, towards the console. They can be reached from the footwell with an extension.
5. The upper / outer column bolt can be accessed directly from the side of the dash. This is the last one to remove and first one to refit. Can act as a guide, too.
6. The steering angle sensor ring has a two notches at 180 deg from each other. The column has another plastic ring with guides which will need to be re-seated into the sensor ring notches. This can be fiddly but only then will the sensor fit back onto the column properly.
7. The sensor has a square padeye which fits on a protrusion on the column. This prevents the sensor's body from rotating.
8. If you can pull this off without ending up in need of medical care, you're in pretty decent shape
9. 2nd person assistance would be great to have.
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