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Speed Sensor

Author : bmwe34.net Posted on : 02/12/2004
Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Driveterrain - Differential
Source : http://www.bmwe34.net
 
The Speed sensor on the BMW E34 is located at the back of the differential housing in an inaccessible location... follow the only wire. You will find a lot of dirt and grease over there, so be prepared and wear protective glasses and gloves.

Failure syndromes:
• Erratic or no speedometer, erratic or no speed control, erratic wipers functioning.



Procedure: Step by step procedure
Protective glasses
WD 40, the screws might be rusted
3/8" Ratchet, extensions and u-joints
10 mm socket and open wrench
1. Place the rear of the car on jacks or use a ramp, then spray the old sensor two screws with WD40. Now that you have found where the screws are... you know that removing them is going to be tricky.
If you are not a patient person, grab your phone and call the dealer...

2. After approximately 1 hour, you have removed the screws. Try to clean your sensor, it might work again (it didn't work for me). If cleaning it does not work, just change the sensor.
3. Tighten the screw with a 10mm open wrench then finish with the ratchet and extensions.

Best advice : Be patient...

Addition from: Bob K.
The hard part is getting to the bottom screw, IMO. Having a heckuva time getting it started after
removal, I decided to do the following:
. support the differential with a hydraulic jack
. remove the two bolts (19mm head) holding the rear of the diff to the suspension member
. drop the diff about an inch or less

The issue is ensuring that the diff is supported. What dropping the diff does is give enough room
to get a direct angle on the bolt, both for removal and replacement. A caveat is to do the removal
and replacement of the top bolt before and after the diff drop, respectively.

Also, I found that my 3/8" drive sockets were a tad thick for the available clearance. I used 1/4"
hardware with a 3/8" to 1/4" adaptor.

Regardless, it certainly is a job that requires patience.

Addition from Ivan C.
Thought you might want to know, I replaced my speed sensor and while it was time consuming, it was really not too difficult. Most of the time was de-greasing and cleaning area first.
I used 1/4" vs 3/8" tools: 10mm open wrench, 1/4" 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet with 3" and 5" extensions and "u" joint. and had no problem reaching lower and upper bolts as follows:
Upper bolt: Socket drive to 5" extension to U joint to 3" extension with 10mm socket: between gas tank shield and suspension / diff
Lower bolt: Socket drive to 3" extension to U joint with 10mm socket: between suspension and diff
 

References

  • http://www.bmwe34.net
    •  


    The Poor Man's SuperchargerSwapping a 6-cylinder E30 rear differential to your 318ti
    Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Driveterrain - Differential
    ... the lower shock bolt, you should be able to sneak the axle out. Now it's time to remove the rear diff assembly. First, disconnect the speedometer pulse sensor connector. Remove the two rearmost 19mm bolts on top of the diff with a combination wrench: Support the diff with a floor jack. Next, remove the front two 19mm bolts: Finally remove the nut and bolt for the diff bushing using a ... (more)
    Posted : 14 May 2004 Author : Constant Yu
     
    Differential Swap
    Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Driveterrain - Differential
    ... to operate the parking brake. More than likely these are the locking style nuts and must be replaced. Support the half shafts with wire or allow them to lie across the suspension. Disconnect the speedometer wire (located on the rear of the diff, passenger's side). Position the Diff Lift under the diff, barely touching the diff (you want to support the diff while unbolting it but you don't ... (more)
    Posted : 4 December 2004 Author : Jeff Bosonetto
     
    Differential Seals
    Model : BMW, 5 - Series (E34) 1989-96 Category : Driveterrain - Differential
    ... bolt and so on... once all the bolts are removed, place the half shaft out of the way and secure it with a piece of wire. 4. Pry the drive flange out with a big screw drive or a little pry bar. You have to use a piece of wood for leverage else you might damage the differential. In the picture you can see the seal. To pry it out, you need a seal puller (cheap tool), don't even try with a ... (more)
    Posted : 4 December 2004 Author : Bill R
     
    Replacing Your Differential Fluid
    Model : BMW Category : Driveterrain - Differential
    ... seen Porsches in the past where jacks have punctured the floorboards. A handy reference is Waynes article on jacking up your BMW.http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Jacking_Up/E36-Jacking_Up.htmNow jack up the front wheels of the car as well. We will want to get the car as level as possible in order to drain all the old fluid out of the differential. Now crawl under the car and ... (more)
    Posted : 14 May 2005  
     
    BMW E30 3 Series Differential Oil Change
    Model : BMW, 3 - Series (E36) 1991-99 Category : Driveterrain - Differential
    ... seen Porsches in the past where jacks have punctured the floorboards. A handy reference is Waynes article on jacking up your BMW.http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Jacking_Up/E36-Jacking_Up.htmNow jack up the front wheels of the car as well. We will want to get the car as level as possible in order to drain all the old fluid out of the differential. Now crawl under the car and ... (more)
    Posted : 18 May 2005  
     
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