ABS Reluctor Ring Replacement - How To - BMW 3 Series

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Link For Reluctor Ring & Sensor rover.ebay.com/rover/1/5282-5...
Link For New Cheap Driveshaft RH rover.ebay.com/rover/1/5282-5...
Link For New Cheap Driveshaft LH rover.ebay.com/rover/1/5282-5...
I recently found these shafts online, very reasonable priced. I bought any shafts I got from local parts supplier at a higher cost.
In this video I show a step by step guide on how to replace a damaged abs reluctor ring & remove the rear driveshaft in a BMW e90. This is the second time I have worked on the ABS in this vehicle, I fitted a speed sensor in a previous video & cleaned up the ring, but unfortunately the issue was not fixed for long when the problem came back.
I take a much deeper look as to why this happened and how to correct it.
Here is the link for part one if interested
• BMW - ABS & DSC Dynami...
Thanks for watching :)
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Disclaimer:
GerardBurke is a qualified motor technician who has completed modules & courses in manual handling and all aspects of workshop safety. These videos are not intended to be used by anyone who is not trained and or qualified to carry them out.
Due to factors beyond the control of GerardBurke, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. GerardBurke assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. GerardBurke recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of GerardBurke, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not GerardBurke.

[@TheRepairer]

Good video very helpful one thing I’ve done when changing these reluctor rings is boil the ring in cooking oil on the kitchen stove to expand it and it just drops over the cleaned driveshaft

[@nycsaba]

Thank you for sharing this with us! The trick with the washer just saved me for now. The ring is bent on my X3 and damaged the sensor. Unfortunately 2 from the 3 guys at my local service are ill so they couldn't schedule the repair for this week. I have tried puting a 1+1/2mm washer initialy, but that turned out to be too much. The lights went off as soon I did change the sensor but when I applied the breaks first time ABS just kicked in, then all the light come back, except the tyre presure one and the ABS was completely switched off this time. I replaced the washer with a 1mm and that worked, so everithing works as expected for now. Again, thank you for sharing!

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Due to the many emails I got about where to source the parts needed. I have now included a link in the description for Abs ring & sensor and also links for new rear driveshafts. I hope this helps you. Thanks to everyone for the kind words.

[@marsdencarl89]

Hi there just wondering if the driveshafts you put in the description are any good? Do they cause any vibration? Thanks

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Hello, Thanks for watching the video. As I stated in the description, any driveshafts I bought were from my local supplier, they keep them in stock and I get 95% of my parts local. I put that up when I was asked to source one online. The company has sold 120 of them that can be seen (at this moment & they have a 3 year warranty) But I can't vouch for them as I never bought one. The price is right but if you are bothered maybe buy local too or contact them direct and see. I hope this helps

[@marsdencarl89]

Thanks Gerard the video has been a big help I have bought 2 of these driveshafts and going do give them a try I got a quoted £80 to fit both driveshafts and abs sensors so hopefully this will solve all the issues I am having thanks

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

No problem, best of luck to you.

[@watcherwatchmen7785]

To add some longevity to your fix, I would suggest smearing some two part epoxy in the grooves and over the new ring you installed. Not only would it glue everything in place, but it would put a barrier to keep rust from forming since it would block the oxygen from reaching the place you just worked so hard to scrub free of scale and rust. I know this is a little late, since you assembled everything, but maybe it will give the next bloke a good idea before he starts his project!

[@christopherprice2124]

Excellent Video. I like the way you have no plans of giving up at any time. Better to try than to not try at all.

[@user-gj6vg3zo5o]

Just replaced my reluctor rings after watching this video yesterday, followed what you said to do, I done both sides as I noticed the sensor in the side that didn’t have a fault was scratched so thought while I’m there I’ll get it done, thanks a lot even though I’m a qualified mechanic I still research every job I do, (depending on timescales). And if I can I like to watch a KZbin video as it gives you a good understanding and also heads up for what tools I’m going to need. Thanks Gerald

[@TheGrandHistorians]

make videos

[@hyunkim7051]

Thank you for taking time to share. I think I have the same problem and it's been very helpful.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thank you for the comment.

[@riche5831]

Excellent video and explains it all clearly - many thanks! Proper old-school mechanic is the way to go as BMW dealer would have swapped out sensor first and once they realised it was this problem (the reluctor ring) their answer was to swap entire driveshaft with the new ring on it. Difference in cost over £1k!! Problem with this fault is that, until you get a solid fault (permanent warning lights) which logs the error to tell diags which wheel the problem is on, you get the annoying intermittent symptoms of DTC kicking in when it shouldn't, engine stuttering & losing speed etc. Great tip at end about spacer as a possible intermediate fix.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks Rich

[@pkelly20091]

i wish my mechanic was as good as this guy, he solved the problem in a very methodical and logical way.

[@georgestan123]

Thanks for your time mate, this video is more then helpful! Keep up the good work! :)

[@phillewis7910]

Awesome video, clear and concise, thanks for sharing... I have an E91 2012 with 125K and this is a job that I will be tackling tomorrow if the rain stays off

[@DeeGSXR]

Such a well detailed & clear video, with great advice. Brilliant !!

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

🙏

[@dplayford]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. going to give it ago at the weekend.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Cheers David, best of luck

[@theninjaman]

My ring had snapped while I was driving luckily I checked them found that was the problem now I've just got to buy my new ring and do the job what you've done but mine is a Citroen Picasso front wheel drive so hope it is easy to get off as that one is thanks for the video great insight in to the abs system

[@kevinkent642]

thanks for the advice - precise and informative.

[@Lagos08]

Very great documentation. Keep up the good job.

[@rembson]

Super thankful for this useful video. Really helps me out...I hope.

[@paulstimpson615]

Really good video thanks very much, another problem seems to be releasing the driveshaft nut. Great tip about fitting a washer to increase the spacing of the sensor slightly, thankyou.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated :)

[@aranlamb5547]

Fairplay man cheers for the insight

[@randy1ization]

way to go!!! love the persistance and can do attitude.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thank you

[@hrmthermalimage]

Very Useful Video, I am having the same issues with my E83 rear Reluctor and Sensors

[@BobongMarkus]

Wonderful work, very nicely done. Thank you very much.

[@user-vc1cm3rh7e]

Really good explanation. Thank you!

[@The_Oracle]

Thanks for this. I completed this job this weekend.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

👌💪💪🙌

[@myrddin2005]

Very informative My car is in the garage at this very moment having both rings replaced. Having watched this video I am glad that I left the job for an expert to do.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice comment :)

[@FatTonyMaranzano]

Steve Hayward how much did you pay?

[@edwilko8819]

The people who make the rings say you should heat the ring up so it slips over with very gentle taps then as cools shrinks for a permanent fit. You can also space the sensor back with a washer

[@jurkovf2437]

Just the video i needed, thanks Gerard.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thank you.

[@dsslimone]

Nice video. Very informative. Cheers

[@curtishouze1471]

This was a very real and practical video. Thank you 🙏🏾.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks Curtis

[@sanjleer1426]

I watched your video week ago .. done the job today testing the car tomorrow... let's see if it is fixed ... like you said try and fail rather than not try all all thankyou for posting this video appreciated

[@TheGrandHistorians]

wat happened

[@matthewkurtz5250]

What you where doing was well explained

[@Pete-in-Essex]

Good stuff. I would put a light smear of marine grease round the shaft before tapping the ring on..

[@nigelmitchell351]

Better to try and fail than not have tried at all, an excellent life motto.

[@davidwaters5348]

Another good video...you have far more patience than me..I always replace the drive shaft ..The price of the drive shaft and the price of the extra labour for the time cleaning and fitting ring probs works out the same

[@DD-jk3nf]

Really good video, this is something I'm likely going to have to do soon :D

[@josem6914]

Awesome video I had A ABS problem traction kept engaging , 2008 BMW 328. The ABS ring was rusted like in the video so my car ABS kept engaging while I drive. I plug my OBE computer and it showed my sensor was reading incorrect wheel speed. I changed the entire axle. But doing what he did is much inexpensive and will work..

[@lippomclippo]

Hi Gerard, thanks for the video. I had this problem last year on my E82 with a similar mileage to the E90, but sorted it by removing and cleaning the sensor. It returned again very intermittently last week whilst on the motorway so I'll try the washer route first, Thanks again 👍

[@ronanh13]

Great video Gerard I have the same issue with my e87 and changed the sensor and the lights are off so hopefully that's it, but there was wear on the end of the sensor so I'll probably have to change the ring next but I know the process so thanks for that.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

your welcome man, thanks for the comment

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks for sharing your info & taking the time to comment :)

[@Medea007]

Thanks for your help, did it yesterday, first time taking driveshaft out, easy job thanks to you 👏, for £3 ring from eBay the car is fixed 😄.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Great 👍 well done

[@engjds]

Would you tackle this job with jack stands?

[@suzesiviter6083]

Did it take a lot of heavy knocking? I am not built like Stallone!

[@funky_9_]

@@suzesiviter6083done mine today was bashing it for ages gave up for a bit to have a sandwich and came back with a sledge hammer 3 wacks and it was out lol

[@bumbleshufflesdiy5908]

Brilliant video thank you. Tried the washer trick but it didnt work. I can see the ring on mine is as bad as urs was. I've ordered a new ring and sensor and il be following ur video step by step to repair mine. Thanks very again.

[@Donnner93]

Simular problem on my 318D 2011 model, TSC kicks in out of turns and sometimes on straights even though the conditions on the road is fine. (So the light is not on all the time like in this case) The repairshop here in Norway wanted 1200$ for the fix, they didnt mention if they would replace the entire axle or just the ring (Overpriced country, in every aspect) Will try this fix when winter is over :) Thanks!

[@CjOnTheBeat]

Thanks for posting! Not too short video, nor to long. Just enough to cover every detail. Perfect. Would you recommend using a primer/anti corrosion of some sort over the bare metal before fitting the ring and placing it all back togheter, though? The bare metal would probably start rusting in just a matter of days after fitting it(?).

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Yes I would recommend using an anti corrosion product for sure.

[@TheOldManBrook]

Great vid, thanks for sharing 👍

[@mechanicus8521]

Excellent video Gerard🙂

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

🙏👌👍

[@danjoban]

thank you for throwing me into it :)

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Good luck :)

[@longmozza]

Great video mate thanks

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks for the comment

[@malcuk5014]

Clearly explained and very useful, thanks!

[@robinhood5853]

Thanks for your great video. same issue. started with fuel pump, then to module then abs. turned out that it was the ring on the drive shaft. cost me £900 all in. 😞

[@rasmushjs5318]

Awesom video thx for Sharing.

[@ralph9987]

This is such an awesome video, thank you. I have a 97 E39 528i that has the abs light on too I don’t have a tester so wondering if the sensors are only on the back wheels, or all four?

[@dr.jackkhorram4129]

Thanks 🙏 you saved me .

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks Jack

[@mohammadabu-saada4955]

Thanks for sharing, very clear and helpful video really. I had exactly the same issue, the mechanic installed washers which solved the problem temporarily, six months later the lights comes up again, I guess it need to put new rings and do the same job as here, I’m just wondering how much that will cost to do in Ireland? Thanks again

[@syph3r-265]

I'm having exactly the same problem. I cleaned the ABS reluctor ring, and changed the ABS sensor (Already 3 times... Arghh!!!). I was planning on changing the full gimbals, but I'll try this method first... Let's cross fingers, I'll give you feedback ! Thanks for the video !

[@Whateveruthink]

Syph3r- any news to what fixed it?

[@Heiwnrbdofg]

Nice video, thankyou

[@adamheath266]

Great vid, thank you. Got this problem currently on my e92. How long did it take for the sensor to correct itself and the lights to go out when you test drove it?

[@raymondrodriguez5068]

The mighty Thor bangs the ring! Thnks!😋

[@wardoautos2321]

EXCELLENT

[@christopherreus7799]

Nice job

[@florance94]

If you replace the sensor, put a washer just to give a bit more distance it should last longer.

[@xPrinZ1]

@Gerard Burke do you remember, how much miles/km you drove until the lights gone off, after you replaced the reluctor ring? I did the exact same same thing, before I saw your video, but the lights on my E90 are still on

[@topdogched]

Cheers job done

[@jocalibusohump]

Nice job sir.🥰.i have 330cd it might be corroded mine 😕stay safe

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

My thoughts on this are, if the shaft is that old and crusty wouldnt you think its worth $60 for a new complete shaft that includes a new ring?

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

I agree Nathan, If you want to be certain of a fix it and it looks like this one, I would advise full shaft change. If you want to try it out on your own time and you don't mind failing, ya could save a few bucks as the ring is so cheap.

[@PistonPerspective]

wow that bimmers been round the block a few times!

[@DanniV8]

Where did you get the reluctor ring? I found one UK based website but I'm having problems trusting them. My car has a different size depending on if it's automatic or manual (E46 330i) and they don't list which one they are selling, and they have a model in their line-up that doesn't exist, and E36 330i, so I don't feel comfortable buying from a parts dealer that has both missing and incorrect information on the same page.

[@tonic1667]

Mine is tha same, right rear too

[@lifeofranco]

someone suggested push a washer between the ABS sensor and the ring to keep the gap again, do u recommend it?

[@analystguy100]

Hi Gerard. Would this fix apply to a 2009 E83 (X3) rear right?

[@freeman1352]

Badly designed i have the same problem how much should a job like this cost? Great vid by the way.

[@Junaidddevil]

Million Dollar tip regarding the sensor since ring catching the sensor as this is common reason for error on E90s.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thanks for the nice comment

[@piecetoyou8285]

just a note ABS rings are heated up wich exspand them,wich alow you to drop onto the drive shaft and you can place the drive shaft in a chess freezer if you have one wich shrinks the metal,

[@TotoGuy-Original]

the only problem with that is if you got anti corrosion rings you will burn the corrosion coating!

[@alexanderpeters1108]

Hi, thanks for the great video. Are any special tools needed to get the driveshaft back into the wheel hub once the ring is changed, or is it just a bit of elbow grease?

[@hatespeach9835]

Just bop it...

[@MrHavingfun68]

Thanks for the video, however I can't understand why people make these videos without telling you the year, make, and model. Thing are different on each year and model

[@Silverbullet767]

195k miles? Good effort!

[@leobarr-climberextraordina8923]

I used kurust on the driveshaft reluctor ring down the sensor hole, fifteen minutes and cured. This will helo reduce speed of rust growth, I fitted a 1.5mm washer, test drove and got all sorts of faults from airbag to juddering brake pedal. Repeated with 1mm washer and car drove fine with only abs fault. Just need to drive car for enough miles to reset the light. Or did you have to use a reset tool?

[@davybloggs1564]

Excellent video Gerard, my ring(!) is starting to go oval and I put a 0.9mm thick 6mm washer under the sensor to lift it a little, as you've suggested and it's been fine now. Do you not use a DTI (gauge) to measure the roundness of the ring on replacement? Also, do you use any form of anti corrosion treatment to limit the issue in the future, especially as the owner seems to live in a field! Have yopu tried heating up the ring to expand it to get it to fit? It would probably just fall on if you heated it up to just below the point where it changes colour? Keep up the excellent videos, they're very detailed and helpful.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Hello & thanks for comment, it is nice to hear feedback on videos :) To answer some of your questions, No I did not use a dial gauge or any anti corrosion on this job, what you seen is pretty much what you get in this video. To give ya some info on this job and the way I was thinking, when I removed the shaft to see the condition of the problem I was no longer 100% that it would be solved and I was under a time restraint until I needed the lift for another job, I spent a lot more time on it than I expected but I was happy with what was done and also the knowledge that if any further issues a rise it can be solved. My advice for anyone that is doing this job would be, If it is as bad as mine get the complete shaft aftermarket, They are not that expensive and when you put time against the money it just makes sense. If you are ok with trying and accepting you may not get it perfect then fitting the ring, then it is no big deal. In my opinion to do this job 100% you may need a lathe to secure the joint and get it to a perfect round again but that is not worth the time or the money unless you owned one (I do not) Thanks again & sorry for the long reply :)

[@karlossjackel2344]

Is this the same procedure as it would be on the e46 320d

[@riskfreesolutionsforbusiness]

Gerard ,scan tool is saying rear right tooth missing but rear left looks just a bad , if left was also bad would scan tool say so or is it going to tell me after i fix the right ? do you know ?

[@jeremyf71]

Surely without any rust treatment it will corrode in 12 months? Maybe give it a light coat of paint. I’m trying the washer/shim method first. Good video thanks

[@wanderworks]

Is it possible to paint over the part to stop it corroding soon again?

[@deejaaay7600]

I know this isn't the same vehicle, but I have a 09 128i (e82) and began receiving traction issues on the dash. The mechanic stated that axel and wheel sensor needs to be replaced. Does this sound right?

[@Nate-nd8cd]

Is that the rear wheel drive shaft ?

[@jamescoupland667]

How do I know if it's the sensor that is a t fault or the ring?

[@VeteranHwyFuzz1]

Im trying to find the part number for a Reluctor Ring for a 2013 328i F30 Model - can't seem to find that - any idea? Would a E90 Reluctor fit this?

[@azmaymi9237]

So replacing axel can fix my p1774 code? Please help i replaced sensor still got code maybe my abs ring is damaged i need new axel?

[@Opticals-]

Hello dear . when i brake hard on road . my passanger side front wheel skids to the end . while other wheels brakes properly .. kindly instruct .. Note: abs light on dash is off

[@lonman154]

What size socket needed to take off axel nut ?

[@SonOfZeuz]

I have exactly the same problem with exactly the same wheel!! It must be a common problem with the same wheel!

[@dazthephot]

Your thumbnail shows a toothed reluctor ring but your video shows the segmented one from a different driveshaft. Mine looks like it has an inner diameter of 72mm but that doesn't match anything online - any advice? a bit desperate now sorry.

[@morningdew9450]

Looping for someone in the Arena of Munich for help in the case.

[@mithilparopkari8375]

I've got the same issue w/ E90. Thinking of getting new half shafts w/ ABS ring of course. Found good price for Magneti Marelli (OE PNs 33217553561/ ...562). Do you know what is the OE original half shaft supplier that comes fitted with the car (GKN/ SKF/ Magneti Marelli..)? Thank you!

[@miarenata1231]

what model is this car, because my 2007 bmw328xi doesn't have those rings on the rear ones , only have it in front.

[@alienmatthew]

hi im haveing this same problem for about a month now would this make my engine light come on and my passenger light come on andthen stop the engine and not make it start agian ordo i have a more serious problem any help and advice would be most appreciated!!!!!! thank you 🙂

[@MarkWilson-wu5uj]

LOCKTITE MAKES A SEALER FOR BUSHINGS ON DRIVESHAFTS. I WOULD IF I HAD DONE THIS JOB HAVE DOSED THE AREA WHERE YOU COULD SEE THE LIGHT GAPS WITH SOME OF THIS STUFF. ALL IN ALL A GREAT JOB. SORRY THE CAPS I HAVE REALLY BAD VISION.

[@jpetersson6165]

Do you know what it's called?

[@config2000]

Does anyone know if these reluctor rings are on the rear wheels only? I checked all 4 sensors on my X3 for damage but cannot see any kind of rings on the front side. Just the 2 on the rear wheel set.

[@meirionevans9088]

hi what size size is the 12 point socket. please

[@harpindersingh7197]

Have samw abs light when i removed the the shaft…there is no ring and it looks like abs sensor reads from bearing

[@RezaulKarim-mn5yf]

Great video very informative , I am having a issue with my 320D automatic when I put foot down from the 4th gear to fifth it struggles there is jerk sometimes or it’s says transmission fault on dash board , only it happens when my car is fully loaded with passengers or if it’s uphill, I took it to the Bmw they said it’s not transmission fault it’s the pick up ring on rear driveshaft it’s corroded and it’s swelled up so it’s touching ABS sensor and full driveshaft needs to be replaced, well I am thinking I can change the rings and get it fixed, what do you think Mr Expert? Thank you

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Thank you for your kind words on the video, It is nice to hear feedback. I replied to another man with pretty much the same issue as yourself. I will say to you like I said to him. It all depends on how bad the corrosion is, then decide on if the repair of just the ring is worth it or not. I have done quite a few of these now and all of them have a lot of time to be invested to solve, In one case the repair was not successful, it was just gone too far. (none of them were the same) When it is your own time it makes sense to go with the ring but when paying for labour it's probably makes more sense not too, unless the corrosion is in it's early stages (much better condition than in my video) The amount of time that's needed to get it right means it is cheaper/quicker to fit a shaft. This job is very much a labour & parts combined issue, one has much more labour and small costing parts and the other is vise versa. Depending on the quote they give for replacing the shaft I would say proceed, If they are way too high I would bring it to an independent workshop that's gives you better value. Regards Gerard

[@leobarr-climberextraordina8923]

Is your egr valve plunging in and out ok? Judder from cold can be caused from that, use few drops of engine oil to lubricate. Really easy pop plastic cover and you will see.

[@julesviolin]

Little tip from us. Grease or wax up the ring it will prevent future corrosion. We use Dynax UC wax before they get bad. Works a treat and does NOT affect the magnetism or operation in any way. It's a shame everything is assembled dry in the factory @Jules75ZT

[@marcinmaksimowicz3769]

Great movie. But could you tell me if you connected the car to the computer in order to erase errors?Thank you for your response ;)

[@richardburton2029]

Not un my experience. Fault only clears when in motion.

[@azimahmed7112]

do u have to use genuine bmw ring and sensor??

[@gavincrowther8436]

Hi pal How did you determine which side needed the repair? Does it show you on the I computer deck which side was having the ABS problems?

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

You can do a visual check and see if anything is rubbing/out of round or use a scan tool capable or reading wheel speed sensors and simple road test or manually rotate wheel when jacked up and look at the live data.