Understanding Steering & Suspension Sensors

The steering angle sensor (SAS) is a critical part of the ESC system that measures the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn. The steering angle sensor is a component that makes up the electronic stability program (ESP). The Suspension Ride Height Sensor is an electronic device that measures the distance between the road and a particular point on the vehicle's suspension, chassis or body. Based on the output of the sensor, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) makes the compressor determine whether to fill or release air from the airbags.

Steering Angle Sensors Come In Two Types - digital sensors and analog sensors. Digital sensors utilize a small LED light to calculate data about the rate of turn and angle positioning. Analog sensors detect the differences in voltage to calculate this.

Magnetostrictive Sensor - Each wheel strut has an integrated magnetostrictive sensor, as part of the overall system that also contains accelerometers, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors. The magnetostrictive sensors provide the measurement of the body relative to the unsprung wheels.

Vehicle Height Sensor - Vehicle height sensors measure the load weight on the air suspension system and convert it into output voltage to control air suspension pressure as well as high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamp axis.

Steering Sensors Helps A Driver Maintain Control Of The Vehicle - The steering angle sensor has two or three sensors packaged together, so the two signals can provide a more accurate reading on the positions of the wheels.

Suspension Sensors Provide A Smoother Ride - It is usually fitted to the frame of the automobile or to components of the suspension system. The ride height sensor sends signals to the ECU. Height is adjusted according to load and road conditions.

Steering Sensors - Steering angle sensors come in two types; digital sensors and analog sensors. Digital sensors utilize a small LED light to calculate data about the rate of turn and angle positioning. Analog sensors detect the differences in voltage to calculate this. When digital sensors detect data related to the rate of turn, the angle of the wheel, the direction of the turn and other important information, it transmits it all to the main computer of the vehicle. If the steering angle sensor notices an inconsistency between the steering wheel’s position and the direction in which the vehicle is going, then it will implement a stability action to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle. If an understeer state is experienced by the vehicle, the rear brake on the inside of the vehicle will be used to automatically fix this problem. Now, if the vehicle is experiencing an oversteer state, the rear wheel on the outside will have a brake applied to it by the stability system so that the vehicle will go in the right direction.

Suspension Sensors - The Suspension Ride Height Sensor is an electronic device that measures the distance between the road and a particular point on the vehicle's suspension, chassis or body. Based on the output of the sensor, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) makes the compressor determine whether to fill or release air from the airbags.

Steering Sensors - It sometimes can relay false information to the ECM. Steering sensors can be faulty, misaligned, or damaged, the information it reads and sends to the vehicles onboard computer is inaccurate. Faulty steering sensors can cause the ESP to provide steering input or adjustments at the wrong time. The electronic stability system can be disabled due to faulty steering sensors.

Suspension Sensors - If there is a faulty Suspension sensor the ride height is uneven, Suspension will not raise or lower, the Suspension warning light is illuminated, Suspension sensor adjustable linkage can be broken or separated at pivot points.

Are you thinking of repairing your Steering & Suspension Sensors on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Steering & Suspension Sensors. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -

• Combination plier
• Set of a screwdriver
• Basic socket wrench set
• OBD2 tools to reset steering angle sensor

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Steering & Suspension Sensors which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment.

We believe that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. So why not learn more about the associated parts of the car Steering & Suspension Sensors?

• Steering Sensors
• Steering Wheel
• Airbag
• Steering Column
• Engine Control Unit
• Front Wheel
• Steering Rack

Suspension Sensors - The electronic control module, Solenoids, Valves, Air Lines, Compressor, Air tank, Air bellows, The Drier, Pressure-based systems monitor are some of the parts.

For replacing steering and suspension sensors, labor would cost about $200 to $300, depending on the type of vehicle. To remove the steering and suspension sensors, other related parts have to be removed first which may take about 2 to 3 hours depending on the type of vehicle.

Steering Sensor - Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface. Engage the parking brake to lock the rear tires from moving. Open the vehicle’s hood to disconnect the battery.  Remove the airbag and disconnect the power wire for the airbag and horn. Remove the mounting nut or bolt to the steering wheel and remove the steering wheel. Remove the plastic covers on the steering column. Remove plastic clips to take out the clock spring. Be sure to remove any brackets that may interfere with the clock spring removal. Remove the connectors in the lower portion of the steering column. Take out the multi-function switch. Take out the tilt spring and be very careful, the spring is under pressure and will come out of the steering column with a rush. Remove the nut to the bolt on the steering shaft to the car's universal joint and slide the tilt section out of the vehicle.  Remove the steering angle sensor from the steering shaft and remove the harness to the sensor. Take a new steering angle sensor and reverse the process as removed. After completion reset the steering angle by scan tool and erase all the related faults from its memory.