Steering Angle Sensor ~ Air Bag Clockspring

[erikv11]

Points to #3 on my list "dirty or broken tone rings or ABS sensors." I would, in order:

- make sure the LF axle bolt is not backing out of the axle, this used to happen continually on one of our Volvos. Pull the small hubcap and I think it is 13 mm socket.
- check the LF axle for crusty or broken tone ring ("mechanical failure" points more to this than to the sensor)
- remove, clean and reinstall the ABS sensor from its mount; also check the mount hole for gunk. Be careful handling it, don't stress the wire to the sensor.

Oh good point by you: yes, may as well check both sides. You'll need to get the front up in the air and pull the wheels to check the tone rings and sensors. Check the axle bolts with wheels on the ground before you do that.

If none of these help then probably I would look at the sensor next. I'd try to go junkyard for that if I could.

[TimothyJ]

Hello Erikv11,
I just want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. I can check for the axle bolts but the tone rings and ABS sensors will have to be checked over by my mechanic. I do not have a car jack for this type of work.
If the axle bolts are ok... what about replacing both tone rings and ABS sensors?.... under $70.00 for decent parts at Rock Auto.
Your thoughts? I'd just hate to get it up and crust and rust make it difficult to rehab the old parts and I end up with an incomplete or unsatisfactory job. Getting these at a junker I don't think is economical.

[erikv11]

It's why we come to MVS, to learn and share the knowledge

If the tone ring(s) are rusting away, the shop may not be willing to replace them separately. Some shops will only replace the whole CV axle which includes the tone rings. That is a big rabbit hole because aftermarket axles are notoriously crappy. Dirty ABS sensor they will clean. See what the shop says about the state of the tone ring(s) and go from there. If they want to replace the axle(s) I'd post up here about it first and get some feedback.

But if they seem to be the problem, then yes replacing just the tone rings and ABS sensor(s) is completely worth it. While both tone rings may be rusted out from your winters, It is unlikely both sensors are bad, I might not do both of those unless necessary. ABS sensors go bad occasionally but they are not a wear item that just gets replaced eventually. On the other hand you can pay the shop once for both sides and be done with it, I get it.

[TimothyJ]

I'm confident my mechanic will replace only what I ask him to.... unless it is a major pain with damage risks to the CV axle when trying to replace the tone ring only. Is it a difficult job to replace the tone ring and reinstall the CV axle? Change out the ABS sensors?
I'm sorry erikv11 but I'm working in the dark here. This work is way above my pay grade.
Is the job doable without disturbing a whole bunch of other stuff?
Thanks

[erikv11]

I have not replaced front ABS sensors on these cars but it should be is easy with the car in the air and the wheels off.

Front axle tone rings are straightforward for a mechanic who has pulled CV axles before, no risk of messing things up. A skilled/experienced mechanic can probably replace the tone ring with the axle in the car still, but I found that challenging so personally I'd pull the axle.

On an S60 the sequence would be:
- Car up, wheel off, remove top nut to release sway bar end link, remove ABS sensor to protect its wiring, remove brake caliper to make space, zip tie it to the coil spring, unbolt strut from steering knuckle to free the axle, pull the axle (unbolt remove carrier bearing for passenger side).
- Working on a bench, tap old ring off tap new ring on.
- Install axle (lightly grease the splines on transmission side, anti-seize on the hub side), put suspension back together, be sure to push top of knuckle inward (negative camber) before you tighten strut to steering knuckle.
Routine stuff for a mechanic. If tone ring is what it needs, and they'll do it, that's a great solution.

Possible problems: Main one is if the drivers side axle is stuck, which happens sometimes. A good trick is to rotate the CV around until the circlip opening is on the bottom, keep trying to remove it as you slowly rotate through different spots, don't force it, usually they will give but when the circlip opening is facing down but there are a some horror stories out there. And if the suspension hardware is all rusted out then some fasteners may need replacing.

If the axles have not been pulled in a long time, the dust seals are likely disintegrated and must be replaced on reassembly. It's this part https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... g-30647015 or RockAuto sells Elring 477290, one per CV axle so get two if you're working on both sides.

But next up is inspect axle bolt then get mechanic's opinion on the tone rings.

[TimothyJ]

Once again erikv11.... thanks for the info and guidelines. I think that I will order the parts and proceed with the job while I get my Fall oil change and winterizing. I will post the results but will probably be in a few weeks. Take care and I hope that your Autumn is as beautiful as what is happening around here. Enjoy.

[TimothyJ]

Hello erikv11,

So I did what I said and replaced tone rings and ABS sensors at the front, and had codes cleared ... got oil changed along with tire and winterizing so I'm ready to go. I have only driven about 60 kms but so far there has been no reminder of care service for ABS and traction control. I hope that it is the same after 250 kms. Thanks again for all your guidance. I appreciate it and love having this car running well. I find it a real pleasure to drive. Take Care Erik. Thanks.