Crank reference sensor question on Carrera
 

I noticed when putting in a new sensor, the steel part of the sensor that goes into the bracket would stay stationary (tight fit and dirty) while I can rotate the plastic part that seats against the bracket in a clockwise/counterclockwise orientation. :eek:

Can anything be damaged?

I know there is a coil winding inside but wasn't sure how the steel part is affixed to the plastic part and if rotating the two will break anything internally.

For reference, when I put the exact same new sensor on the "reference" side, it easily slid in no problem as the old one easily slid out. When I put it on the "speed" side, it was really tight as the old sensor was really tight sliding out.

One of the sensors typically gets stuck in the bracket sleeve due to corrosion. I'd recommend running a screwdriver wrapped with some scotchbrite to clean up the ID of it a bit.

Yeah, I know how to clean it, was just wondering if you can damage one or if it is ok to twist?

Don't know if you caught my query on the one or two tubes for the sensors,(on the bracket) but it was advised NOT to twist sensors as they are like a lightbulb filament.
So if one half is turning, and the other half is not, you may have destroyed the sensor.
I cleaned my bracket out with a Dremel cup wheel while out of the engine, gapped the speed sensor with the old sensor and a Crazy Glued on 0.8mm washer; tightend up the bracket, removed the old speed sensor and installed new one. It is also best to install new reference sensor while braket is out of engine also.