Loose hubs cause ABS light?

[Big6ft6]

I have an ABS light on in my 98 ranger 4WD. I took it in to have the ABS code pulled. After completeing the diagnoses the shop said, the ABS system was not getting a reading from the two front ABS sensors.

They went on to say that the reason was not due to faulty sensors, but becuase my front hubs were really loose, they said they could "wiggle them by hand".

They said the ABS sensors have a very tight tolerance for the distance they need to be from the hub, and the movement in the hub was exceeding that tolerance and causing the ABS light to come on.

This all sounds plausible, but at the same time my general distrust of repair shops has me second guessing their diagnosis. Do they KNOW the hubs are the problem or are they choosing that option becuase it would bring them a $1200 hub replacement repair, versus the smaller repair of just repalcing the sensor.

I have jacked up the truck and tried wiggling the wheels myself and could not feel any looseness with my untrained senses.

thoughts?/Opinions?/Experiences? Thanks!

 

[Big6ft6]

Bump

And another part of the question.

If it ends up being my bad hubs causing my ABS poroblem I can get new hub/bearings with ABS sensors for $250 each at Rock Auto.

BUT....maybe I should just convert to manual hubs if that would be way cheaper?

Do they make manual hubs with ABS sensor attachment ability? Or do I have to stick with OEM auto hubs to maintain ABS.

I just want the stupid ABS light to go out.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think vacuum/manual hubs effect the wheel bearings, which is what your shop said you need.

 

[Big6ft6]

Got it...so the "hub" (manual or vacuum) can be swapped without changing the "bearings" if I understand what you're saying.

Have you ever heard of bearing so worn out that it causes the ABS light to come on?

If it was that loose, should I be able to notice it when I jack up the truck and wiggle the tire?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would think it would move around a little to upset your senser, but it just might be that sensitive.

Here is how to change the bearings (and work over your 4x4 hubs)

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring07/98_00_Ranger_hub_bearing.htm

 

[Big6ft6]

Thanks 85, that is a good write-up. I've never replaced vacuum actuated hubs before, the only other time I've removed a unit-bearing hub was on a AWD exploere so the hubs were always locked.

The more I think about it, the more I have a hard time believing the loose hubs are causing the ABS light.

But if I can get the hubs for the cheap price in the write-up...jeez..almost a no brainer to replace them if they are in fact in bad shape.

Thanks!