Realize the stock Steering Torque Sensor 53101-S2A-A03 for the AP2 is pretty much unobtanium but am now having this issue.

Recently a replacement Torque Sensor (the sensor only) has appeared on multiple sites for $60-100 (Including Amazon). Chinese origin listed as QIP, photos look ok for whatever that is wort
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Has anyone tried / had any success with this part? Have one on order and gonna give it a try as opposed to cleaning/lubricating. I had numerous conversations with JPM (Japan) vendors re: the 53101-S2A-023 part which is for right hand versions of our car, appears it will NOT work with USA versions - but no one seems really sure. Best photos I can find seem to show a reverse thread on the shaft so no go unless the sensor itself is the same?

What say you?

 

There are a number of threads on fixing this issue without a replacement part. Essentially you are cleaning it to prevent the problem. Not unheard of. Not super difficult and works well.

 

as above do a looksie

 

The sensor almost never goes bad, it's the plastic slip ring inside the unit. When you turn the wheel the torsion bar that's connected to your steering coupler twists, which pulls down the slip ring. That movement changes the magnetic field which makes the power steering unit energize the electric steering motor. When you take it apart, clean and grease the plastic slip ring, put grease in the groove the slip ring rides on. The motion of the slip ring has to be very smooth, it only moves like 1-2mm, almost nothing, so if the grease dries up and it can't move up and down smoothly, that same jerky motion from the slip ring trying to slide on the shaft, translates into jerky steering.