Oscilloscope Accelerometer-to-Component Attachment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The CH-51450-TA183 accelerometer must be attached to vehicle components in the manner indicated in order to achieve accurate frequency readings of the vibration disturbance.

The accelerometer of the CH-51450-NVH Oscilloscope is designed to pick up disturbances which primarily occur in the vertical plane, since most vibrations are felt in that same up-and-down direction. The CH-51450-TA183 accelerometer is therefore directionally sensitive and must be attached to vehicle components such that the cord end is always facing upright and the sensor body is as close to horizontal as possible. The sensor must be installed in the exact same position each time tests are repeated, or comparisons are made to other vehicles.

The CH-51450-TA183 accelerometer can be attached to vehicle components in various ways. For non-ferrous surfaces, such as the shroud of a steering column, the sensor can be attached using putty, or hook and loop fasteners. For ferrous surfaces, the sensor can be attached using the CH-51450-TA096 magnet supplied with the sensor. For hard aluminum surfaces, a ferrous washer can be glued on using a cyanoacrylate (super glue) and then the magnet can be used.