Any old iron? (Steering Angle Sensors actually!)

[pupley]

Hi Forum members.

I am looking to offer a solution for the steering angle sensors that reliably fail on V70/XC70/S60/S80 vehicles with DTSC. Maybe some other models too but I only have a V70 to test them on with VIDA.

I tear them down clean and check/adjust trim pot if needed to bring back into spec and test on my vehicle. Ive done a small number already, running reliably on vehicles. Have become pretty deft at the fiddly tear down and rebuilds such that I can do it with one eye closed now, or that might just be my failing eyes

If any of you have old faulty steering angle sensors gathering dust and spiders that you would be happy to part with do let me know? I would be most grateful. This would enable me to offer replacements on an exchange basis at a fraction of a cost of new replacements for forum members so they go to a good cause. Will pay beers or pizza and postage

On reflection and further forum reading I wonder if I perhaps should have posted this in "Wants" sub forum. Apologies!. Should i move or delete/repost or leave here?

[Georgeandkira]

I'd love to see a picture of one.
Maybe several pictures- disassembly, cleaning and trim pot adjusting.

[Simmy]

there are some guides and pics here on the forum but i cant remember which section they are in. some searching should find them.

[Simmy]

thanks for offering this kind of service more people like you are needed to help others keep the older cars on the road

[pupley]

Originally Posted by Georgeandkira

I'd love to see a picture of one.
Maybe several pictures- disassembly, cleaning and trim pot adjusting.

To be honest I didn't think to document as I was only using my auto experience and following pointers from various pics and comments mostly on here about the SAS and also some vids on the tube. Next time I get one in i'll try to document. I can say the clock spring element does not need to be touched. Just separated by removing three screws but keep position.

A certain level of competence and know how is required as you can easily brick it or blow something on the vehicle, or even worse jeopardize air bag functionality. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to accidentally deploy an airbag by incorrectly following instructions. I'd go so far as to say in the politest and most considerate way, if one cant find out the info how to do it themselves, they shouldn't consider to attempt it. I wouldn't want someone to say they were following instructions after they blow the airbag causing injury by doing something incorrectly. There's a way to handle these things through at the very least some attention and competence, or prof' experience in the trade.

Originally Posted by Simmy

thanks for offering this kind of service more people like you are needed to help others keep the older cars on the road

Thank you. I have an unexpected attachment to my Volvo and we all know some parts can come close to outweighing the vehicle value. I look forward to the day I upgrade to a P3 V70.

I'm also considering looking at the ABS units that fail as I have reflow equipment as well as the means to carefully open the sealed units even though i've not had it fail on my vehicle. I'd consider to look at a known failed unit for science if someone with the issue!

[stuart bowes]

all fair points but presumably if you offer a send away and repair service which I'm sure would be very helpful, people are still going to have to contend with the airbag to remove and refit the SAS

a list of related precautions may be useful at this point just in case

is it mainly just a case of ensuring battery is disconnected, and presumably do the work from the side without being in the way of the airbag opening direction

I'm sure I recall reading a news article about someone trying to steal an airbag and it went off, which meant they stabbed themselves with a screwdriver... but I can't seem to find the link now

once you have it out of the car and on the bench the danger is over and then it's just the potentially fiddly technical stuff which Georgeandkira is interested in

[pupley]

Originally Posted by stuart bowes

a list of related precautions may be useful at this point just in case

Disconnect battery. Turn ignition to on wait 10-20 seconds then off (discharges residual if any). Then wait 10-15 mins before touching airbag connectors. when removed place airbag safely with horn pad facing upward on rear seat or footwell or bench. On some cardboard.

Originally Posted by stuart bowes

is it mainly just a case of ensuring battery is disconnected

No, see above

Originally Posted by stuart bowes

once you have it out of the car and on the bench the danger is over and then it's just the potentially fiddly technical stuff which Georgeandkira is interested in

Not quite. Part referred to as "clockspring" which is actually not a spring, but a wound electrical ribbon needs to be kept in mid-position, otherwise you could rip it when turning steering wheel, with unpredictable results or at best losing horn and SW button functions.

As per initial post I will document next time I tear one down but if not proficient get someone qualified to fit the reco part and do setup with Vida. My aim is to provide a cost effective working part if someone wants it, for someone capable to fit. If the person buying is capable then so be it. If not, then give the part to someone capable to do it. I only make this clear in abundance of caution through experience. Its the interwebs.

[stuart bowes]

ah there was a bit more to it then, I think regardless I'd still be inclined to remove it viewing from the side i.e not sat in the drivers seat

having seen vids of them going off I definitely wouldn't want to be in the way holding any sort of tool in my hand

agreed safety is the best approach if any sort of doubt

[marcb]

Pupley, how long does it take to fix a sensor? I could visit you to see you extract and fix it - would pay of course for time. Could video the process.

[pupley]

Originally Posted by stuart bowes

I think regardless I'd still be inclined to remove it viewing from the side i.e not sat in the drivers seat

having seen vids of them going off I definitely wouldn't want to be in the way holding any sort of tool in my hand

20+ years as a german dealership tech never saw one go off. I don't do it anymore. Granted we always handled them correctly with precautions as mentioned above battery disconnect, discharge, wait etc. Certainly you don't want tools in hand when disconnecting. Whether from side or in seat you want to disconnect cleanly so don't fumble if from the side. Your hand is naturally going to be behind the airbag when disconnecting so that's unavoidable injury risk!

Originally Posted by marcb

Pupley, how long does it take to fix a sensor? I could visit you to see you extract and fix it - would pay of course for time. Could video the process.

Usually a couple hours if all goes smooth. Sometimes a bit longer if initial test fails. Unfortunately I don't/cant do while-u-wait, but can offer a 24hr turnaround by post if you send me your faulty sensor. Or can send you an exchange unit if i have one in hand but none atm. DM to arrange if required.