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Subject: How to remove the front ABS sensors Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 11918 posts Posted on: 2004-06-03 03:19:04

I've seen this discussed on other boards and web sites, but always without photos. Here's how to remove and inspect the ABS pulse sensors on your 7-series E23.


The photo above is a view from above the left front wheel assembly. I did this during a brake job, so the rotor and caliper have already been removed, but you don't need to do that. The black, rectangular object with a beveled edge and a wire on the opposite end is the ABS pulse sensor.


Once the 5mm hex bolt is removed, all that holds the sensor in place is friction. You could grab the plastic head with channel locks, but be careful not to break the sensor at it's an expensive part (around $140, retail). In my case, I simply used a small, flat-blade screwdriver to pry up the edge. Be careful not to damage the O ring at the top of the sensor.


If your sensor refuses to budge, it might be that the hole has rusted to the sides of the sensor's metal canister. In that case, you might have to douse it thoroughly with PB Blaster or WD40. With a little patience, you will be able to remove it as shown above. The end of the sensor is a strong magnet. I sprayed the sensor and the hole thoroughly with brake cleaner.


This photo shows what the sensor looks like when fully removed from the wheel hub. The wire extends all the way up into the engine compartment, near the firewall (one on the left and one on the right). When reinstalling the sensor, I smeared a bit of anti-sieze lubricant onto the sides of the metal canister for good measure.



David Cecil
'02 X5 3.0, 15k miles
'97 740iL, 120k miles
'86 735i, 94k miles
'77 320i, 140k miles
'92 325is (rear-ended on I285, gone but not forgotten)

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• How to remove the front ABS sensors (pic) - DavidC 2004-06-03 03:19:04 (10670 views)