[Insane435]

Has anyone deviated form the OEM or VDO brand on the eccentric shaft sensor?

OEM is way to expensive, and VDO is always on back order. How risky are some of the ebay options that are in the low $100 range? Has anyone tried something with success?

[cwlo]

I have no experience with any of the off brands, other than to say they are usually lacking. That said, I find it interesting that the Dorman branded one mentions that they sealed the sensor to prevent the common failure point of oil leaking into the sensor housing.

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by Insane435

Has anyone deviated form the OEM or VDO brand on the eccentric shaft sensor?

OEM is way to expensive, and VDO is always on back order. How risky are some of the ebay options that are in the low $100 range? Has anyone tried something with success?

This has been discussed quite a few times. Yes, you can always go the cheap route, it will work, but the question is HOW LONG will it last? keep in mind removing the valve cover you need to replace the valve cover gasket + your time (opportunity cost is quite high IMO) OR labor for the mechanic.

[scanspeak]

I've purchased this one from ECS tuning (Dorman brand) which is supposed to be an improved design that prevents oil ingress.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-dorman-p...r/917-030~dor/

[GreaseJunkie]

I had bad luck with the Dorman version a few years back when my OEM sensor failed. I started getting oil in the ESS connector less than a year after installing the Dorman. I ended up replacing it with a VDO brand sensor and having the Dorman warrantied out by our parts supplier. All in all, its just such an annoying job having to pull the valve cover off of these cars, I would recommend sticking with a known good supplier. In my experience with Dorman parts, they're fine for cheap, easy to access mechanical parts like breathers and hoses but their electronics seem to be hit or miss. I couldn't begin to count the number of window motors I've had to replace under warranty because someone ordered a Dorman part.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by GreaseJunkie

I had bad luck with the Dorman version a few years back when my OEM sensor failed. I started getting oil in the ESS connector less than a year after installing the Dorman. I ended up replacing it with a VDO brand sensor and having the Dorman warrantied out by our parts supplier. All in all, its just such an annoying job having to pull the valve cover off of these cars, I would recommend sticking with a known good supplier. In my experience with Dorman parts, they're fine for cheap, easy to access mechanical parts like breathers and hoses but their electronics seem to be hit or miss. I couldn't begin to count the number of window motors I've had to replace under warranty because someone ordered a Dorman part.

I agree with this. I know this is a Eccentric Shaft Sensor thread but I ordered Dorman TPMS sensors instead of the oem supplier ones. They cause tpms errors occasionally and just aren’t the same. Don’t trust dorman electronics!

[hassmaschine]

With something that's easy to get to, sure - take a chance with a cheaper part. But do you really want to redo the valve cover twice to swap out that sensor?

[GreaseJunkie]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

With something that's easy to get to, sure - take a chance with a cheaper part. But do you really want to redo the valve cover twice to swap out that sensor?

Nope. but I am tempted to open her back up one last time for MILVs

[Taskmaster]

I have the VDO brand - never heard anyone having an issue.

[Insane435]

I think i am going to wait for the VDO To come back in stock.