2.3L ('83-'97) Broken ABS sensor

[xsaylr]

Well great, been working on trying to get the ABS light to go out. Picked up replacement sensor for the rear diff. While removing the old 1, it broke. Most of the lower portion is still in there. Then I didn't reinstall the securing bolt, and found today that rear diff oil has been sloshing out, I believe thru the threaded hole. I'd taken 1 pic to see what I was dealing with, but the bolt hole isn't in the pic, so I didn't consider that it went all the way thru. Bolt didn't have any oil on it when removed. Any ideas on how to get this out, without having to open the housing?

 

[RumPunch]

Drill into (through the first layer not all the way through sensor node) then tap and put a bolt in use pliers or prybar on bolt.

 

[xsaylr]

There's definitely not room to get a drill in here, that's the biggest issue. There's something still in there too. 1 magnet already came out, and I thought this was another, but I wasn't able to get it with anything metal, or pry it out yet. Pretty limited room to work, it's on top of the rear diff

 

[xsaylr]

I think you're right though, gonna somehow have to get an extracting tool in there. I got under there yesterday to spray some rust penetrant spray, that's when I realized it was leaking so badly. Glad I found that though, I had been driving this regularly. Would've eventually damaged the rear end

 

[Blmpkn]

I think you're right though, gonna somehow have to get an extracting tool in there. I got under there yesterday to spray some rust penetrant spray, that's when I realized it was leaking so badly. Glad I found that though, I had been driving this regularly. Would've eventually damaged the rear end

Will a right angle drill work?

 

[Uncle Gump]

You tried taking the cover off and pushing it out?

I can't remember if there is enough room to get a punch or a cotter key pick in there and help it out.

 

[xsaylr]

Hey I appreciate all the help, as usual from this forum. Finally just picked up a gasket and opened er up. That dern sensor was a stretch from the opening, but coincidentally I recently picked up these extended tools for "whatever". The bend at the end was perfect, was able to pop it out, then pulled with needlenose. Based on what I've found on this truck since I got it several weeks back, I doubt this oil had ever been changed anyway, so it prolly needed it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

That's the way you do it.

I have a cotter key pick tool... I use that thing for a bunch of odd things.

 

[xsaylr]

Yeah man I was just happy that none of the cover's bolts snapped off or anything. Was able to finish it all up without any more trouble. We'll see tomorrow if that clears the ABS light