C5 X7 ABS sensor replacement

[Viitonen]

Hi,

My C5 (2009 Hdi) has a broken ABS sensor (I broke it while changing rear bearing). Now, it shows in the maintenance manual, that I need to remove the fuel tank in order to change the sensor! This sounds really crazy! Is there any other way to do the trick? I've got the new sensor and the old one goes off easily from the wheel side. What if I just cut the wire of the old and the new one, put the new sensor to the wheel side and simply connect the wires. Does anyone have any idea if this works or not? Are the wires some strange wires with specific ohms and so on or just plain and simple electric wires?

Thanks for your replies! It's hot in Helsinki, Finland!

[GiveMeABreak]

That's the official position - tank off. I wouldn't like to say what the impact (if any) would be on splicing the wires as the ABS sensors are very fragile and sensitive things - plus it would be a shame to wreck a new one if it didn't work.

[Ferdens]

Hi.
Had to change the trailing arm bearings (and the rear suspension after a leak).
I cut the Abs cables for quickness as the bolts were rusted in.
I bought new cables. Rerouted the left sensor under the tank. Spliced about 2' cable to the right sensor and again under the tank.
Take the access cover off under the seat, drop a length of string, tie the cables to the string and pull them through the hole.
I originally re-soldered the old wires but they didn't last long before setting of the Abs warning light.
I used heatshrink connectors that have the solder and glue in them. Great invention.
Ripped the disk shields off to access the bolts and fitted new ones.
Hope this helps.

[Viitonen]

I just got back from garage. Funny you mentioned heatshrink connectors, because they were exactly what I used. The old wire was in perfect condition, so I think this worked out just great, the warning lights are gone at least!