Steering angle sensor brush broken. Advice sought

Ergellegre · Post by **Ergellegre** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 5:02 pm

Hello.

So here's my predicament. Had the trifecta dashboard lights on my 2003 3.0 E85. I plugged in a Creator 310+ which found implausible steering angle sensor reading. After an upside down half hour in the footwell I separated the sensor to have a look and could see one of the brushes has snapped. This will be an MOT failure if I don't fix this.

So now I'm wondering if I should:
A) try to replace the brush with one from a salvaged unit.
B) Attempt to remove steering shaft and fit an entire salvaged SAS.
C) Ask Sycamore BMW to fix it (investigation booked in for next month in Peterborough, so don't currently know how expensive that'll be).
D) Something else.

I've no idea how difficult it would be to remove the steering shaft on my driveway, so if anyone has experience with that, please share.

I've recently forked out to have Sycamore BMW replace my subframe and differential bushes so don't want to spend a lot more on the car at the moment. A used genuine SAS unit is only £30.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 5:25 pm

Steering column is surprisingly easy to remove if it's a manual and a little more fiddly if it's an auto.
I have spare SAS and in fact a complete column, but we wouldn't need that.
Easily done in a day. Would you be able to get the car over to me (NR17 2HG)?
Be happy to help.
I think you'll need the replacement sensor calibrating anyway, which I can do.

If I'm too far, then bigwinn is in Lincoln and may be able to help.

colb · Post by **colb** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 5:27 pm

Get a new one from Autodoc, choice of brands and prices. Can't comment on removal and fitting haven't had one apart so far.
Do check Autodoc using your Reg Number to ensure you get the correct part. Example here
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares-search ... e%20Sensor

Ergellegre · Post by **Ergellegre** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 11:36 pm

enuff_zed wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 5:25 pm Steering column is surprisingly easy to remove if it's a manual and a little more fiddly if it's an auto.
I have spare SAS and in fact a complete column, but we wouldn't need that.
Easily done in a day. Would you be able to get the car over to me (NR17 2HG)?
Be happy to help.
I think you'll need the replacement sensor calibrating anyway, which I can do.

If I'm too far, then bigwinn is in Lincoln and may be able to help.

I shall bring sockets and biscuits - very generous of you Sir! MOT is quite long so have some luxury of time, I'm away for a bit but could I come round second half of May ? How do I get you my number?

Edit: She's a merciful manual

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 7:16 am

Ah that’s a nuisance, I’m away second half of May! Can it wait?

Ergellegre · Post by **Ergellegre** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:35 pm

Yes it can, will be nice to get ABS and TC back for long rainy drives. Early June then? Are weekends better for you? I can do most Thursdays and Fridays too.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:42 pm

Ergellegre wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:35 pm Yes it can, will be nice to get ABS and TC back for long rainy drives. Early June then? Are weekends better for you? I can do most Thursdays and Fridays too.

I can do most days tbh.
I have one big prior commitment for June. E63 is dropping his coupe with me for full suspension refresh, oil, filters, and a whole list of other stuff. He's been waiting patiently for quite a while.
However, his will be a few days of work so if you wanted to come over and get yours sorted it wouldn't impact too heavily on this other work. Anytime from 3rd June onwards?

Ergellegre · Post by **Ergellegre** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:56 pm

Friday the 7th of June then? I shouldn't be totally useless - I've spent a good bit of time in and around the steering column fitting a MFSW and sorting sticky steering since I got the car a couple of months ago. Really appreciate this EnuffZed!

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 3:22 pm

Ergellegre wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 2:56 pm Friday the 7th of June then? I shouldn't be totally useless - I've spent a good bit of time in and around the steering column fitting a MFSW and sorting sticky steering since I got the car a couple of months ago. Really appreciate this EnuffZed!

Wasn't implying you were useless, just sometimes helps when someone has done the job before.
I'll pencil you in and I'll PM you my address and phone number too.

Ergellegre · Post by **Ergellegre** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 4:37 pm

My implication entirely

See you then.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 4:55 pm

Ergellegre wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2024 4:37 pm My implication entirely See you then.

Are you bringing a new SAS? Or chancing one of the ones I have?

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