• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

wheel sensor not working need advice


papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
I have a 99 ranger with 4 wheel abs. the abs light on. my mechanic says my right front sensor is not sending a signal. do I have any option but to the replace the whole hub assembly? I like the 4 wheel abs when on slick mud. it really helps me keep the truck under control.
 


1996xlt

Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
257
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Location
NC
Transmission
Automatic
You can get away with changing only the sensor (check rock auto), but at that point of disassembly you may as well change the hub out as its likely worn out if its the original.
 

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,613
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
I would start by checking the bearing to see what kind of shape it is in. In my experience the most common cause for failure of those sensors is the bearing failing and the internals of said bearing moving far enough to wipe out the sensor.

Assuming that the bearing is OK, the sensor can be bought by itself and replaced by itself, but it is common to have the little plastic end break off inside the hole and get stuck. That can be a pain to get out of that happens.
 

papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
so do I have to remove the hub assembly to change out the abs sensor? if so that gets labor intensive and more costly. both my hub assembly's bearing should be decent. only been on a couple years or so. I'm getting no roar
 

papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
after some research online it appears this can be done without removing the hub assembly. part is about $65 at autozone with a limited lifetime warranty.
 

papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
Part is $25 on eBay. Anyone buy one on eBay? How'd it do?
 

BlackBII

Ranger Custom
Article Contributor
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
Truck of Month
Joined
Aug 14, 2007
Messages
7,895
Reaction score
982
Points
113
Location
UT
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
5
Tire Size
33
What brand is the part? And the part number? Have a link?

The cheapest one I see on RockAuto is ~$50, and RockAuto is usually the cheapest.

There are 2wd ones for $25, so make sure it's the right part number.
 

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,613
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15
Did you check the bearing? Don't assume it is good because it isn't that old.

There may also be wiring issues involved. Spin the wheel and look for AC voltage at the plug.
 

1996xlt

Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
257
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Location
NC
Transmission
Automatic
I would start by checking the bearing to see what kind of shape it is in. In my experience the most common cause for failure of those sensors is the bearing failing and the internals of said bearing moving far enough to wipe out the sensor.

Assuming that the bearing is OK, the sensor can be bought by itself and replaced by itself, but it is common to have the little plastic end break off inside the hole and get stuck. That can be a pain to get out of that happens.
This. Just went through the same thing on my 02. I'm assuming it was the original unit with 212K on it, but no noise/play and replaced the sensor a couple of times after it wiped the sensor out. Then it hit me, 'hey dummy, just maaaybe the hub is bad' swapped it out with a new unit (they all come with a new sensor installed) and all is well since.
 

adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
Ford Technician
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
34,623
Reaction score
3,613
Points
113
Location
Dillsburg PA
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
31X10.50X15

papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
My bearing seems fine but maybe that is the cause. I'm takin it back to my mechanic this week for him to troubleshoot some more.
 

papasmurfor9

Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
Lexington, MS
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
Ok I tried two new abs sensors off eBay. Both were damaged by the hub and failed right away. It appears they r too long even with the shim. So once u drive around the end of the sensor is broken off. I installed a brand new hub assembly yesterday and all is good now. It came with abs installed. Btw I had a big rubber o ring leftover. Is it just for the vacuum hub setup and so I don’t need it?
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top