Guys,

I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!

So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
altogether.
Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.
> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>

Probably not as issue on a vehicle that age but I imagine that might upset
any stability control software (or at least stop it working properly).

Whilst I take your point that many older cars didn’t have ABS, I think as
far as MOT is concerned, if it was fitted, it has to work.

Might be worth getting a second opinion on the work involved. Hard to
believe that any work on a stub axle can be that complicated. Have you
searched YouTube?

This any help? https://youtu.be/-LZFH3npitg

Tim
--
Please don't feed the trolls

On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at.

Is the wire to it on a connector located near the stub axle? If so is
it a fault with the sensor or just a bad connection or corrosion in the
connector?

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On 29/07/2021 21:00, alan_m wrote:
> On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
>> Guys,
>>
>> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at.
>
> Is the wire to it on a connector located near the stub axle?  If so is
> it a fault with the sensor or just a bad connection or corrosion in the
> connector?
>

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LZFH3npitg

the £500 repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsqy8TeEcA8

--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On 29/07/2021 21:26, alan_m wrote:
> On 29/07/2021 21:00, alan_m wrote:
>> On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
>>> Guys,
>>>
>>> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>>> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>>> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>>> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>>> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>>> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>>> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at.
>>
>> Is the wire to it on a connector located near the stub axle?  If so is
>> it a fault with the sensor or just a bad connection or corrosion in
>> the connector?
>>
>
> Youtube
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LZFH3npitg
>
> the £500 repair
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsqy8TeEcA8
>
What a good video!

In uk.d-i-y alan_m <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
> Is the wire to it on a connector located near the stub axle? If so is
> it a fault with the sensor or just a bad connection or corrosion in the
> connector?

I had that problem (not on a Merc) - in the beginning driving above 80 mph
would cause the ABS light to trip, then it was 70mph, then 60mph. The car
was also juddery under sustained acceleration as the ABS kicked in.

I thought the reluctor disc was rusty and it would need a new wheel bearing
(including the reluctor), but turned out the sensor was faulty.
Unfortunately since I'd taken it into the garage with the expectation of
them doing the wheel bearing, I didn't have the opportunity of DIYing it.

ebay says the W211 sensor can be had for about a tenner, so I'd try changing
that first if you can DIY it.

Theo

On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.

Might this be CAN bus? In which case it might give Marvin a terrible
pain in all the diodes down its left side.

> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>
Too risky for me. £600 doesn't sound so bad all of a sudden.

On 29/07/2021 20:54, Tim+ wrote:
> Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote:
>> Guys,
>>
>> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
>> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
>> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>>
>> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
>> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
>> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
>> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
>> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
>> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
>> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
>> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
>> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
>> altogether.
>> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
>> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
>> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
>> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>>
>
> Probably not as issue on a vehicle that age but I imagine that might upset
> any stability control software (or at least stop it working properly).
>
> Whilst I take your point that many older cars didn’t have ABS, I think as
> far as MOT is concerned, if it was fitted, it has to work.

The ABS system is not tested in an MOT. All the tester wants to see is
the light coming on for a second or 2 on the turn of the ignition switch
and then go out.

> Might be worth getting a second opinion on the work involved. Hard to
> believe that any work on a stub axle can be that complicated. Have you
> searched YouTube?
>
> This any help? https://youtu.be/-LZFH3npitg

I am inclined to agree.

Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote

> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.

Dunno about that particular Merc, but its unlikely to
be a simple analog signal that you can do that with.

> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side.

That would not be enough to determine that the n/s sensor is faulty.

How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.
> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>

If the CPU is comparing with the n/s rear with the n/s front sensor, to
allow for cornering, you still have a christmas tree.

On Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:30:06 +1000, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>Dunno about that particular Merc, but its unlikely to
>be a simple analog signal that you can do that with.

Seems it is, though. Only 2 wires to each sensor feed. The sensors
appear to be simple electromagnetic generators which generate a pulse
whenever the magnetic strip embedded in the stub axle ring goes past
them.

Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> Dunno about that particular Merc, but its unlikely to
>> be a simple analog signal that you can do that with.
> Seems it is, though.

Don't believe that.

> Only 2 wires to each sensor feed.

Plenty of digital systems only have 2 wires.

> The sensors appear to be simple electromagnetic generators
> which generate a pulse whenever the magnetic strip embedded
> in the stub axle ring goes past them.

That's not all there is at the sensor.

And even if it was, you cant just move the two wires from
the faulty wheel to the wheel on the other side and connect
those 2 to the same 2 on the good wheel and have it work.

On Thu, 29 Jul 2021 20:30:50 +0100, Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com>
wrote:

>Guys,
>
>I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
>a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
>service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
>So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
>all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
>car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
>sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
>speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
>the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
>one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
>sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
>for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
>altogether.
>Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
>issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
>all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
>at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

Will screw up your abs and possibly traction control , might also
throw a wobbly as the sensors have a resistance as does the wire
putting the circuits in parallel will alter that resistance

On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.
> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

Nice of you to remind the reader of the cars without ABS.
Perhaps some need reminding that the safety features built into even
your 18 year old merc are part of the whole.
Suicide bombers and suicide drivers need to understand that the majority
of the population just might not be ready to go with them.

That depends whether the handling of the car depends on the abs being
active, If it can be disabled, then you are probably safe, but might need to
indicate somewhere that the re enable switch is inoperative. You might get
insurance issues unless you declare that its not working if its there by
default.

Brian

--

This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
briang1@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"Chris M. White" <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote in message
news:hgv5ggdorn146me8f2ltt2chsiljbnmrhp@4ax.com...
> Guys,
>
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>
> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
> altogether.
> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

Also all sorts of strange things happen in modern cars, even things like the
car has been in an accident which has bent something just enough to affect
things like this or suspension issues. I'm actually glad these days that I
was never able to drive, since the complications seem endless when stuff
begins to fail.
Brian

--

This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
briang1@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
"alan_m" <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote in message
news:imgfn6Fo4e0U1@mid.individual.net...
> On 29/07/2021 20:30, Chris M. White wrote:
>> Guys,
>>
>> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at.
>
> Is the wire to it on a connector located near the stub axle? If so is it
> a fault with the sensor or just a bad connection or corrosion in the
> connector?
>
> --
> mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

Chris M. White wrote on 29/07/2021 :
> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.

I think it should probably work, if it passes the ignition on tests,
but it is highly illegal. If an ABS system is fitted then it it legally
required to work properly.

The way they work, is a Hall sensor is fixed to the static part of the
hub, the rotating part has a series of tiny magnets around its
periphery, perhaps 40, which produces pulses to the ABS ECU.

What can happen is that the magnets can attract rust, which can then
upset the pulse count from a wheel.

You might be able to remove the sensor and poke an even stronger magnet
through the hole, then rotate the hub, to try to 'suck' loose rust off
the hub.If the warning lights come on and stay on before the car is
moved, the likely fault is the sensor, or its wiring.

If they appear when you first get to a low speed, then it points to the
magnetic hub issue or rust.

newshound presented the following explanation :
> Might this be CAN bus?

Nope - the ABS is completely independent of the canbus.

on 30/07/2021, Chris M. White supposed :
> Seems it is, though. Only 2 wires to each sensor feed. The sensors
> appear to be simple electromagnetic generators which generate a pulse
> whenever the magnetic strip embedded in the stub axle ring goes past
> them.

They are the older type, just a coil of wire like a guitar pick-up.
Modern version is a Hall sensor.

On Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:25:50 +0100, Harry Bloomfield, Esq.
<a@harrym1byt.plus.com> wrote:

>Chris M. White wrote on 29/07/2021 :
>> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
>> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
>> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
>> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>
>I think it should probably work, if it passes the ignition on tests,
>but it is highly illegal. If an ABS system is fitted then it it legally
>required to work properly.
>
>The way they work, is a Hall sensor is fixed to the static part of the
>hub, the rotating part has a series of tiny magnets around its
>periphery, perhaps 40, which produces pulses to the ABS ECU.
>
>What can happen is that the magnets can attract rust, which can then
>upset the pulse count from a wheel.
>
>You might be able to remove the sensor and poke an even stronger magnet
>through the hole, then rotate the hub, to try to 'suck' loose rust off
>the hub.If the warning lights come on and stay on before the car is
>moved, the likely fault is the sensor, or its wiring.
>
>If they appear when you first get to a low speed, then it points to the
>magnetic hub issue or rust.

The most accurate summation so far. You obviously know your stuff!
This car is too old to have serious money spent on it. The next owner
will be the scrappie so I'm only going to run it into the ground
anyway.
I'll try your magnet idea in the first instance and fingers crossed
that may work, as the lights don't come on until the car's moved some
distance. Thanks for your input!

On 30/07/2021 08:09, Chris M. White wrote:
> Harry Bloomfield, Esq. <a@harrym1byt.plus.com> wrote:

>> The way they work, is a Hall sensor is fixed to the static part of the
>> hub, the rotating part has a series of tiny magnets around its
>> periphery, perhaps 40, which produces pulses to the ABS ECU.

>> What can happen is that the magnets can attract rust, which can then
>> upset the pulse count from a wheel.

>> You might be able to remove the sensor and poke an even stronger magnet
>> through the hole, then rotate the hub, to try to 'suck' loose rust off
>> the hub. If the warning lights come on and stay on before the car is
>> moved, the likely fault is the sensor, or its wiring.

>> If they appear when you first get to a low speed, then it points to the
>> magnetic hub issue or rust.

> The most accurate summation so far. You obviously know your stuff!
> This car is too old to have serious money spent on it. The next owner
> will be the scrappie so I'm only going to run it into the ground
> anyway.

If you can't find a fix that keeps the car legal to use on the road at a
price you're willing to pay, then it *has* run into the ground...

--
Spike

On 30/07/2021 08:16, Brian Gaff (Sofa) wrote:
> Also all sorts of strange things happen in modern cars, even things like the
> car has been in an accident which has bent something just enough to affect
> things like this or suspension issues. I'm actually glad these days that I
> was never able to drive, since the complications seem endless when stuff
> begins to fail.
> Brian
>

I've recently bought (new to me) a Skoda with much of this tech, cool to
play with, but the tech has the assumed IT longevity and disposability
of an iPhone. The car's mechanics will easily outlast that, which was a
similar story with the OP's car.

Open source engine management is a thing, hopeful dream that someone
comes up with the whole car replacement operating system (OSS, of
course) so that we don't needlessly throw cars away because the "radio
console" doesn't work.

Or maybe a partitioning of Convenience systems and manufacturer's safety
systems, so ye could replace the convenience system, just like ye
changed ya car radio of old by removing it from the dash.

In the long term for me, I'm game for some silicon hacking about to keep
my new car on the road, but would still keep the mechanical maintenance
a priority above that. A sensor failing, I'd change it.

I had my previous Octavia for 13 years, a solid thing for me without any
serious maintenance bills, going by reports this Superb shouldn't be a
complete surprise to the pocket.

--
Adrian C

On 29 Jul 2021 19:54:33 GMT, Tim+ <tim.downie@gmail.com> wrote:

>Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote:
>> Guys,
>>
>> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
>> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
>> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
>> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
>> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
>> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
>> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
>> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
>> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!
>>
>> So I've come up with an ingenious work-around I'd like to run past you
>> all; see if there's any adverse consequences I haven't thought of. The
>> car's main CPU thinks the rear n/s wheel is losing grip, because it's
>> sensing (wrongly) that the speed of that wheel is diffrerent to the
>> speed of the one on the opposite side. How about I snip the feed from
>> the n/s sensor and connect it in parallel with the feed from the o/s
>> one? That way, the CPU will see the signals as perfectly in synch. The
>> sensor on the 'good side' stub axle will then be supplying speed info
>> for *both* sides and the duff side will be snipped out of circuit
>> altogether.
>> Your thoughts on anything I haven't considered (I mean *technical*
>> issues, not daft observations about legality etc.) I would remind you
>> all there are plenty of classic cars on the road that don't have ABS
>> at all so it's not inherently dangerous.
>>
>Probably not as issue on a vehicle that age but I imagine that might upset
>any stability control software (or at least stop it working properly).
>
>Whilst I take your point that many older cars didn’t have ABS, I think as
>far as MOT is concerned, if it was fitted, it has to work.

Also, as a modification I assume it would require to be declared to
the insurers. I would certainly speak to the underwriter first.
>
>Might be worth getting a second opinion on the work involved. Hard to
>believe that any work on a stub axle can be that complicated. Have you
>searched YouTube?
>
>This any help? https://youtu.be/-LZFH3npitg
>
>Tim

In uk.d-i-y Scott <newsgroups@gefion.myzen.co.uk> wrote:
> Also, as a modification I assume it would require to be declared to
> the insurers. I would certainly speak to the underwriter first.

I'm not sure that's a 'modification' on insurers' usual lists, but 'tampered
with the braking system' is not a good look, either to insurers or if it
came up in court. And so if there was an accident I could well imagine the
insurer declining to pay out, which would leave you liable for third party
losses (don't drive behind a supercar, you can't afford it).

Theo

In article <hgv5ggdorn146me8f2ltt2chsiljbnmrhp@4ax.com>,
Chris M. White <cw9877@gsm.com> wrote:
> I have an aging (18 year old) Mercedes W211 which has developed a
> fault which is causing the dash to light up like a Christmas tree.
> This one fault is causing 3 different warning lights and associated
> text warnings to come up: ABS, ESP and SB. I took it to an independent
> garage that specialises in Mercs and has all the software etc. Turns
> out the problem is a magnetic ring buried deep inside the n/s rear
> stub axle. The part costs peanuts, but is *murder* to get at. Even for
> a Merc main dealer it's half a day's work and requires several special
> service tools. I was quoted over 500 quid to fix it! +VAT!!

Sounds like part of that wheel speed sensor, for the ABS and possibly
traction control etc. And rather odd for the toothed wheel part to fail.
Are you certain it's not the sensor? They can and do fail.

--
*War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.