With considerable thanks to Reverand Sam for his well documented wheel sensor removal thread, I have removed both rear sensors and the front left sensor so far. The rear sensors were covered in grease and gunk, and the front sensor, while plastic, was difficult to remove because of minor corrosion on the metal that surrounds the sensor. When the front sensor was removed, it was clear that it had been damaged. Has anyone else come across a sensor that has been rubbed to the point that the plastic is no longer smooth? I am just guessing that something got between the wheel sensor and the ABS wheel ring. Given that all of that is exposed, it seems like a fluke, but it happened to me. Any good leads on inexpensive wheel sensors?

 

Should be able to find someone on here (illium comes to mind) that has a salvage car to get one from. Or, try a local salvage yard, easy to pull your own part.

 

ken@britishcarparts or nallly jaguar, both are active members and sponsors, get it from them

 

or salvaged partout, but with that your basicly getting what you....its a gamble, may go bad sooner rather then later

 

I do typically suggest buying new, but these wheel sensors have been basically bulletproof-reliable, only ones that fail are similar to the OP - damaged somehow. Most of the ABS problems come from wiring or even the ABS ring being damaged. Its a very simple-designed part, so to save some $greenbacks$, I recommended used.

 

Well, it seems that both front wheel sensors have been damaged, so I guess that I will be buying two.

Does it make sense that both front wheel sensors should experience the same damage? I'd like to know if there is anything that I should be looking for to mitigate further damage to the new (old) replacement sensors.

Very frustrating. . .

I did take the opportunity to paint my rotors while the wheel was off. The Duplicolor kit worked very well. When I have greater posting rights, I'll post some pics of my car.

 

You should have full privileges jpm, so post away.

I'm really surprised that both are damaged. I'd be checking the ABS ring to make sure they are not causing the damage, there's only a few millimeters between them when installed properly.

I would have a mechanic take a look at it, get a 2nd opinion on the cause of the damage...i'd hate for you get replacements and have them get torn up also.

How about some pics of them off the car, and if you can take a shot behind the hub as well, showing where it sticks thru its peephole (installed). Have you rotated the front wheel hub and watch the ABS ring as it travels past the sensor?

 

I did notice corrosion on the last ring (and was oblivious that they even existed for the first 3 wheels!!!!!!), so I used a brass brush and removed the corrosion. I don't suspect that this would damage the ring.

This forum is great. I am learning so much about my car.

 

Arriving home this evening was akin to Christmas - both of my wheel sensors arrived as well as a Mina mesh grill. I've installed both sensors and both the Trac and ASC texted errors have vanished. The ABS idiot light is still lit. I'm going to take the car for a ride and see if the light goes out. If not, I'll disconnect the battery when I return home and try to reset the computer. Anyone have anything to add? I'll take some pictures of the old sensor and the car and post them this weekend. Thx for everyones help.

 

Multiple driving cycles should clear the ABS, unless you have a scanner with enhanced features to do it instantly. Dealer can do it for you also, if you've got a good relationship, and stop in when they're slow, you may get away with a no-charge visit.

I'm unsure why it hasn't cleared immediately...wish I could hook it up to my scanner, it would tell you what corner is causing the issue.

Anyway, keep us updated!

 

You're correct. I drove the car and the Trac and ASC text warnings scrolled across that annoying display. Disgusted, I returned home, turned the engine off and on a whim, restarted the engine to discover just the mileage on the odometer showing. After a 30 mile drive, no error codes, flashing text messages, idiot lights, noises, etc. Thanks all. I'll take a picture of the two sensors and post this weekend.

 

How much did the sensors cost, and did you figure out what caused the damage?