rensporti

I have an 08 550i.

I am in the middle of replacing my alternator, bracket gasket and oil cooler thermostat O-rings. As if this job wasn't fun enough by itself, I just discovered some wires that are connected to the rack & pinion that have no insulation at all. I'm really concerned about these shorting to each other.

Can anyone identify what this connector is plugged into? It is on the rack on the driver's side. It appears to be some kind of sensor. Anyone know? Also, what would happen if these wires shorted? Total disaster or maybe just a short circuit warning?


Side view looking from drivers side wheel well


Front view

I initially thought the literal tons of oil sludge probably ate the insulation but these wires weren't even that oily. There are plenty of other wires covered in sludge that aren't damaged. Now I'm thinking a critter might have chewed on the wires.

I can't even remove the connector because the little heat shield above it is blocking the locking tab. Even if I could remove the connector, it appears the the harness is tied down just a few inches away giving me zero room to play with it. To make matters worse I can really only get one hand in there.

I'm planning to spray the wire with pastic safe electrical parts cleaner then paint on some liquid electrical tape and cross my fingers unless someone has a better idea.

I would appreciate any and all input.

Thanks for looking.

donpb

You're being creative, which is good. Shield those wires and you should be fine.

08535

That is an excellent idea, Unfortunately the wire's on these are notorious for loosing their shielding. The more you look or move the more you will find, headlights, trunk hinge area,etc. I thought it was the heat from the engine bay but that's not the case, just a poor choice,or a cheap grade of shielding.

rensporti

Thanks for the replies.

I went ahead with the original plan and covered the bare wires with this stuff. It isn't pretty but I think it will do the job.

I'm still curious what that connector is but for now it will remain a mystery.

Thanks again.