ABS sensor cable is cut

[Patrologia]

New to the forum, and new to my Ranger. I knew it had an ABS light when I bought it but wasn’t extremely concerned since the brakes work fine for normal braking. Doing some other work yesterday I saw what I assume is the reason for my ABS issue:

So my question is this. Would there be any problem with stripping back the insulation and soldering the wires rather than replacing the sensor and cable? The instructions seem to indicate that you have to remove to rotor to gain access and replace the sensor—I’d just as soon put that off until I’m replacing the rotors anyway. It seems pretty straightforward wiring, but I don’t know much about how the ABS stuff does it’s job.

 

[projectRanger93]

First I would recommend you get a wiring diagram of your ranger to understand the ABS system. If you know where you're supposed to wire/solder then by all means do it. My Rear ABS harness was torn so I just soldered it myself. I checked the wiring diagram to check before I did anything. I have a 93 so mine is probably simpler than yours.

 

[pjtoledo]

looks like there is a few inches missing. the cable should have a large U to allow for turning and up/down.
since that line flexes constantly with suspension movement I wouldn't have much faith in a solder job lasting very long.
being in the rust belt expect to do some digging to get the old sensor out of the hub. I've never had one come out intact.

 

[Patrologia]

Thanks, I’ll definitely check to be sure there’s enough play to allow for steering. I think it may look shorter than it is because of the way I was holding the wires.

 

[Snoranger]

Yes, you can repair ABS wiring. We do it all the time at work. Solder it and cover it with heat shrink... it will last a long time.

 

[Jim2]

New to the forum, and new to my Ranger. I knew it had an ABS light when I bought it but wasn’t extremely concerned since the brakes work fine for normal braking. Doing some other work yesterday I saw what I assume is the reason for my ABS issue:
View attachment 30358
So my question is this. Would there be any problem with stripping back the insulation and soldering the wires rather than replacing the sensor and cable? The instructions seem to indicate that you have to remove to rotor to gain access and replace the sensor—I’d just as soon put that off until I’m replacing the rotors anyway. It seems pretty straightforward wiring, but I don’t know much about how the ABS stuff does it’s job.

Thanks for posting this.

I have to do the front pads, and the ABS light is on right now on mine.

I'll definitely look close at that stuff.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes, you can repair ABS wiring. We do it all the time at work. Solder it and cover it with heat shrink... it will last a long time.

Use heat shrink with adhesive in it.

 

[Curious Hound]

And make sure the finished cable will have enough slack for suspension travel, etc. Add s short piece of wire and make two splices if necessary to have enough length

 

[sgtsandman]

One thing I've been seeing a lot of lately in youtube videos is a heat shrink tube with a piece of solder in the middle. The solder melts when a person applies heat to the heat shrink, soldering the wires and sealing out the elements all in one shot. It might be worth your time looking into that.

 

[bobbywalter]

awww hell no.