SD-27-4709
Bendix® SAS-60™, SAS-70™, and SAS-80™ Steering Angle Sensors
INTRODUCTION
The Bendix® Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) is an electronic
sensor that senses the position of the steering wheel and
communicates the information to either the brake control
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or a vehicle ECU. This sensor
data is critical to the Bendix® Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) functionality of the brake controller, and may also be
used by other advanced systems on the vehicle.
The SAS has been available for multiple generations
(SAS-60™, SAS-70™, SAS-80™) with minor updates
made between the different generations. The sensors
are compatible across generations as long as the
same hardware and software configuration is chosen.
Contact your local Bendix sales representative or use
B2Bendix.com to find replacement service parts.
The sensors are available with two different orientation
styles of the same harness connector: a "90-degree"
connector where the electrical connector comes out of
the face of the sensor, and a "straight" connector where
the electrical connector comes out the end of the sensor.
See Figure 1.
The sensors are available with a variety of CAN
communication protocols and bitrates. Each individual
SAS part number has a specific communications protocol
assigned at the point of manufacturing. This protocol
cannot be change or altered in the field. These different
protocols are not compatible. Always use the assigned
replacement part number when ordering service parts.

For vehicles equipped with the Bendix® EC-80™ or EC-60™
brake control ECUs, the sensor is directly connected to the
brake control ECU and receives power and ground directly
from the brake controller. It is also directly connected to
the brake controller by a private "Sensor CAN" link which
is shared only with the Yaw Rate Sensor (YAS).
For vehicles equipped with Bendix ® GSBC ® (Global
Scalable Brake Control), depending on the vehicle Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), the SAS may or may
not be connected to the GSBC Central ECU. Refer to the
vehicle OEM wiring diagram for more information.

The SAS must be calibrated if a steering wheel has
been removed or replaced, the vehicle has received
an alignment, or if the SAS has been replaced. If the
SAS is not calibrated correctly, ESP functions may not
operate properly, which may result in loss of vehicle
control, potential collisions, property damage, serious
injuries, and/or death. Refer to the SAS Calibration
section on page 5 for more information.
Special care should be taken if aftermarket steering
wheels are installed on a vehicle. Aftermarket steering
wheels may interfere with the mounting or proper
operation of the SAS. Only use steering wheels that
have been approved by the vehicle OEM.

90-DEGREE ORIENTATION SAS CONNECTORS
CENTER HUB TAB

SAS-60

MOUNTING FLANGES

SAS-70

SAS-80

Figure 1 – Bendix SAS-60, SAS-70, and SAS-80 Steering Angle Sensors

STRAIGHT ORIENTATION
CONNECTOR EXAMPLE

NOTE: This example is the SAS-80 straight
connector. SAS -70 and SAS - 6 0 are also
available in this orientation.

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GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

WARNING! PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH:

When working on or around a vehicle, the following guidelines should be observed AT ALL TIMES:
▲ Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the ▲ Never connect or disconnect a hose or line
containing pressure; it may whip and/or cause
parking brakes, and always block the wheels.
hazardous airborne dust and dirt particles. Wear
Always wear personal protection equipment.
eye protection. Slowly open connections with
▲ Stop the engine and remove the ignition key
care, and verify that no pressure is present. Never
when working under or around the vehicle.
remove a component or plug unless you are
When working in the engine compartment,
certain all system pressure has been depleted.
the engine should be shut off and the ignition
key should be removed. Where circumstances ▲ Use only genuine Bendix ® brand replacement
require that the engine be in operation, EXTREME
parts, components, and kits. Replacement
CAUTION should be used to prevent personal
hardware, tubing, hose, fittings, wiring, etc.
injury resulting from contact with moving,
must be of equivalent size, type, and strength as
rotating, leaking, heated, or electrically charged
original equipment and be designed specifically
components.
for such applications and systems.
▲ Do not attempt to install, remove, disassemble, ▲ Components with stripped threads or damaged
or assemble a component until you have read,
parts should be replaced rather than repaired.
and thoroughly understand, the recommended
Do not attempt repairs requiring machining or
procedures. Use only the proper tools and
welding unless specifically stated and approved
observe all precautions pertaining to use of those
by the vehicle and component manufacturer.
tools.
▲ Prior to returning the vehicle to service, make
▲ If the work is being performed on the vehicle’s
certain all components and systems are restored
air brake system, or any auxiliary pressurized air
to their proper operating condition.
systems, make certain to drain the air pressure ▲ For vehicles with Automatic Traction Control
from all reservoirs before beginning ANY work
(ATC), the ATC function must be disabled (ATC
on the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with
indicator lamp should be ON) prior to performing
a Bendix ® AD-IS® air dryer system, a Bendix ®
any vehicle maintenance where one or more
DRM™ dryer reservoir module, a Bendix® AD-9si®,
wheels on a drive axle are lifted off the ground
®
®
AD-HF , or AD-HFi air dryer, be sure to drain the
and moving.
purge reservoir.
▲ The power MUST be temporarily disconnected
▲ F o l l o w i n g t h e v e h i c l e m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s
from the radar sensor whenever any tests USING
recommended procedures, deactivate the
A DYNAMOMETER are conducted on a vehicle
electrical system in a manner that safely removes
equipped with a Bendix® Wingman® system.
all electrical power from the vehicle.
▲ Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended
pressures.
▲ You should consult the vehicle manufacturer's operating and service manuals, and any related literature,
in conjunction with the Guidelines above.

IMPORTANT
Bendix® -brand Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are
not designed to store data for purposes of accident
reconstruction and Bendix ® ACom ® Diagnostic
Software is not intended to retrieve data for purposes
of accident reconstruction. Bendix makes no
representations as to the accuracy of data or video
retrieved and interpreted from ECUs for purposes
of accident reconstruction. Bendix does not offer
accident reconstruction services or interpretation of
stored data. Bendix ECUs are not protected from fire,
loss of power, impact damage, or other conditions that
may be sustained in a crash situation and may cause
data to be unavailable or irretrievable.
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Only technicians who have had specific training for
diagnosing or repairing steering systems should
attempt to make the repairs outlined in these
instructions. This ser vice procedure does not
replace your manuals; use both these instructions
and your vehicle/steering column manufacturer's
manual(s) together as your guide in carrying out the
diagnosis and/or replacement. Use of the correct
equipment, tools, etc. is necessary to perform the
work correctly and safely. If in doubt, contact the
vehicle and/or steering column manufacturer(s) for
further information.

REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The sensors are compatible across generations as long as
the same hardware and software configuration is chosen.
Contact your local Bendix sales representative or use
B2Bendix.com to find replacement service parts.
NOTE: Do not change the hardware configuration of
an SAS as each steering column and wiring harness is
designed to accept a specific hardware variant. When
replacing an SAS, replace with a like-for-like component
with the same orientation.

If a vehicle was involved in an incident that may
have led to damage of the SAS or assembly, or any
steering or front suspension-related component,
Bendix recommends that the SAS is visually inspected,
tested, and replaced if necessary. If the SAS is installed
incorrectly, ESP functions may not operate properly,
which can result in loss of vehicle control, potential
collisions, property damage, serious injuries, and/or
death.

5. Document or photograph the sensor orientation
prior to removing it from the steering column.
Make a note whether the sensor label is facing
towards the steering wheel (Standard orientation)
or away (Inverted orientation). See Figure 2. The
replacement sensor must be installed in the same
orientation.

On some vehicles, it is possible to reverse the
installation, resulting in incorrect readings to the brake
controller and/or damage to the SAS. If the SAS is
installed incorrectly, ESP functions may not operate
properly, which can result in loss of vehicle control,
potential collisions, property damage, serious injuries,
and/or death.
STANDARD

LABEL

REMOVAL
To remove an SAS from a vehicle, complete the following
steps:
1. Ensure the vehicle is safe to work on before
beginning. Refer to the General Safety Guidelines
on page 2 for more information.
2. Remove any interior trim required to gain access
to the steering column. Refer to the vehicle OEM's
maintenance instructions for the specific procedure
required to remove the steering column shroud
and associated trim.
3. Depending upon the vehicle manufacturer, the
SAS may be located either near the steering wheel,
necessitating the removal of the steering wheel, or
near the joint to the vehicle steering mechanism,
requiring that this linkage be disconnected.

MOUNTING
FLANGES

INVERTED

MOUNTING
FLANGES

Figure 2 – Standard/Inverted SAS Orientation

Follow all vehicle OEM and/or steering column
manufacturer instructions for disassembly of the
steering column. Improper removal or assembly of the
steering column can result in loss of steering, loss of
vehicle control, potential collisions, property damage,
serious injuries, and/or death.
4. Once the SAS is accessible, unplug the sensor
cable assembly from the sensor body by squeezing
the mounting tabs and pulling gently on the
connector until it disengages.
NOTE: It may be necessary to cut cable ties
to remove the sensor plug. Be sure to note the
position of the cable ties for replacement during
installation.

6. Unscrew the two (2) or three (3) mounting screws
that hold the body of the sensor to the steering
column body. Retain the screws for installation.
NOTE: In certain vehicles, one of the mounting
flanges fits into a slot instead of being held in
position by a screw.
7. Remove the sensor by sliding it off the steering
column.
NOTE: The sensor is not repairable in the field.
8. If applicable, if the SAS is mounted to a vehicle
component made of plastic, it is recommended
that the plastic piece be replaced by a new original
equipment part. Contact the vehicle OEM and/or
steering column manufacturer for replacement
parts.
3

INSTALLATION
To install an SAS to a vehicle, complete the following steps:
1.

Slide the new sensor over the column with the
center hub tab of the sensor aligned with the
corresponding notch in the column. See Figure 1.
NOTE: Different column manufacturers may
implement the center hub tab alignment in different
ways. The sensor label should be facing in the
same direction as the removed sensor.

2. Refer to photo taken or the marks made in Step 5
of the Removal process for confirmation of proper
sensor orientation and mounting.

The location and orientation of the SAS must not
be altered from its factory-installed location and
orientation. When servicing, an identical component
must be used in the same orientation (using OEM
brackets and torque requirements). Failure to do
so can result in loss of vehicle control, potential
collisions, proper ty damage, serious injuries,
and/or death.
Ref erenc e t h e O E M and /o r st e er ing c olumn
manufacturer's documentation for instructions and
replacement parts.
3. Reinstall the two (2) or three (3) mounting screws
that were previously removed from the old SAS to
secure the new SAS in position.
4. Tighten screws to the steering column manufacturer's
recommended torque specification.
5. Reconnect the electrical connector making sure
that connector locking tabs are fully seated. Be
sure to route the electrical harness carefully
per the vehicle OEM and/or steering column
manufacturer's instructions to prevent the harness
from pulling on the body of the sensor.
6. Reinstall any cable ties that were removed during
the disassembly process.

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7.

If the wire harness leading to the sensor is being
replaced and/or the cable ties were removed,
ensure that the harness is adequately tie wrapped
and secured so that the full motion of the steering
column can be achieved without pulling apart the
connectors.
NOTE: If the steering column offers "tilt/tele"
functionality, move the column through the full
range of motion to ensure that the harness and
sensor are properly installed, do not restrict the
movement of the column, and are not able to be
pinched or stretched by moving parts.

8. Reinstall the interior trim.
NOTE: The sensor is not protected against dirt
or water intrusion, so care must be taken not to
introduce these elements during installation.
9. After the SAS has been reinstalled, perform an
SAS calibration using the appropriate diagnostic
software. Do not drive or operate the vehicle until
the calibration has been performed successfully.

If the SAS is not calibrated correctly, ESP functions
may not operate properly, which can result in loss of
vehicle control, potential collisions, property damage,
serious injuries, and/or death.

SAS CALIBRATION
The SAS calibration can only be achieved when the
sensor is connected to the vehicle's Bendix brake control
ECU. No stand-alone sensor calibration is possible. Use
Bendix® ACom® Diagnostic Software to calibrate the SAS
on vehicles with Bendix brake control system ECUs.
NOTE: Depending on the vehicle OEM and brake control
ECU family, it may also be possible to calibrate the SAS
using the OEM service tool.
The sensor must be recalibrated after any of these
situations: