Wheel sensor removal

Jack Ratt

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Is there an easy way to remove these babies ? Most of the tips I've read say to prize out with a flat blade screwdriver but it doesn't work on mine. I'm scared I'll snap the sensor body and leave the "prong" in the hub.

My MOT has expired and I need to sort the ABS / ASC lights
 

mrscalex

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Literally just done the fronts on mine. I felt there was no chance of removing the sensor in one bit and in any case I knew mine were useless.

Had to remove brake caliper and disk. Once removed you can get access to a few mm of sensor on the other side of the knuckle. I smashed the sensor into two parts with a hammer and screwdriver. You won't jam the disc end in as that part is not wedged. The wedged part is the bit in the steering knuckle. You will then either have to drill that part out of the steering knuckle or knock it out from the disc side. In fact it was in too tight to drift it out and I ended up smashing it out. The access is tight and you may put a small dent in the splashshield but it's doable and as long as you aren't wreckless you won't damage the knuckle. You'll then have to fish out the disc end of the sensor. It will be very loose but fiddly to extract. About an hours work a side including installing the new one.
 

t-tony

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Nigh on impossible to remove this type of sensor in one piece Garry, unless someone has had it out recently. They were too tight a fit from new to ensure no movement. Recently manufacturers have started to make them with coiled plastic fins which holds them still while still easily removable. You will end up breaking it out so it saves time to do just that.:(

Tony.
 

Paul Rice

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Need to remove mine and replace, been running for a couple of MOT's now with the fuse out so no light.
 

Lee

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Good second hand ones must be a rare treat then!
Remember that time I came to get one. They disintegrate on removal, Lots of wiggling. Personally wouldn't want to do it again if I had the choice.
 

Jack Ratt

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Thanks chaps :thumbsup:

Looks like I'll be lamping it out then =))

@Stevo7682 it's the fronts
 

Stevo7682

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As others have said when i done mine no way they were coming out disc etc off drove them out from opposite side ( little to no chance of saving it)
 

t-tony

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I normally prise at the locating lug till it breaks and then attack it with a large drill bit, then pickle the remainder out. Horrible things.

Tony.
 
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Antm72

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I never managed to get the one out i changed needed a persuader to assist and it was in several pieces...
 

mrscalex

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Before this thread I thought I was the only person ever not to be able to get a wheel sensor out in one bit. I've read too many sanitised how tos on the internet clearly!
 

t-tony

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I wonder how Ed China does it in the "real" world?

Tony.
 

Paul Rice

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Ed China has a team of mechanics just off camera, "bit like Grumpy"
 

Jack Ratt

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Has anyone tried this for loosening stuck thingies ?

upload_2017-1-20_17-44-1.png



My mate has given me a can to try to loosen my wheel sensor. Apparently it works by "flash freezing" the component. I'm a bit sceptical but I'm going to try it now I'm home.
 

t-tony

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E89 Z4 23i Auto
Has anyone tried this for loosening stuck thingies ?

View attachment 48367


My mate has given me a can to try to loosen my wheel sensor. Apparently it works by "flash freezing" the component. I'm a bit sceptical but I'm going to try it now I'm home.
Interested in what you think mate.

Tony.
 

Jack Ratt

Zorg Expert (I)
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TRURO, CORNWALL
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2.8i AUTO and 2.8i MANUAL
I'll file a full report tomorrow boss
 

mrscalex

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It's worth a go. I don't think any amount of penetrating fluid would help though as it's in too tight for it to, well penetrate.

But shrinking it fractionally. Yes good idea.
 
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