ABS Sensors

Paul Rice

Paul Rice

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Points
198
Location
Doncaster
Model of Z
Z4 2.5 E89 23
Decided to have another go at replacing the ABS sensors at the wheel. Obvious previous problems as the allen key bolt has been rounded. So decided t take the heavy handed route breaking off the plastics to get better purchase without success. Tried drilling it out, its made off good German stuff so o dice there. Mole grips will not budge it so run out of ideas?
 
I don't think you can lever it from behind. You may need a better bit and drill it out.

I'm jiggers if I can remember how I removed mine now. But it ended up in a lot of bits.

When you put the new one in file it down so it's only just a snug fit. And put a suitable lube on it too. I used silicone brake line.
 
In other words I *think* I deliberately chiselled the head off to get to the easier bit.
 
Remove the wheel
Remove the brake caliper and brake disc
Remove the bolts in the disc backing plate, so that it can rotate
You will now have access to the "working end" of the sensor
Get a big hammer and a drift / punch and lamp f88k out of it
It will come out quite easily with a bit of persuasion

It worked for me :thumbsup:
 
On older cars you usually end up breaking/drilling/smashing the old sensors out. To get the Allen screw out some of these may be helpful Paul.
335.webp


Blue box with 5 sockets in. Made by Irwin. Great tools.

Tony.
 
Ordered the sockets from Screwfix,picking up later.
Thanks Tony, hopefully do the job
 
The smallest socket is not that small. Are we sure it will grip the Allen bolt?

Either way this is a fantastic tool to have in your kit.
 
Use these on Allen screws regularly Rob. Just hammer them on!

Tony.
 
Yes, I have a set of 10 at work and the set I bought in the US has only the five. VAG cars use Allen screws on the auxiliary pulleys and often need these to loosen them.

Tony.
 
Smallest in my set 10mm Hopefully work?
Good news bought new bolt and washer from BMW for the grand price of £1.08
 
Just tried the 10 going to be a very tight fit, had a go at tapping it on got about 3mm not enough to bite. need car to be more secure so i can give it a good thump. Thats for another day, out in the Z this weekend ABS less (have been for a while so another few days wont hurt) so will have to wait for now.
 
Oh so it was 10mm. Sorry for suggesting it must have been 8mm.

Yes you just need to give it a good whack on as that's how it bites at the end of the day.
 
Well its had a whack and with my new supaduper socket the bolt head is off, unfortunately its snapped in the housing so looks like the drill and a better drill bit to finally remove (unbelievable pain for a part costing a quid)
 
I've had good results with cobalt bits from Toolstation. They are not expensive.

They carved through the front panel spot welds last job I used them for.
 
Mate of mine bought some fancy drill bits last year at the classic car show going to give these a try next week
 
In my work we sometimes use left handed drill bits (not a wind- up honest) to remove seized screw stubs in fittings.Use the drill spinning left handed, slowly with plenty of lube, plus gas or WD40 is ideal. Start with a small diameter, keep it square and central in the stub.Often the left handed action is sufficient to loosen the remains of the screw allowing the rest to be picked out or removed with a fluted screw extractor.
Left handed bits are available on line I'm not computer savvy enough to post a link here though.
Hope you get it sorted!
 
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