How To Remove ABS Sensor Without Breaking It
As someone who recently had to remove an ABS sensor from my car, I understand the frustration that comes with the fear of breaking it during the process. After many trial and error attempts, I deeply researched to find the correct way. Finally, I have mastered the technique.
To access the ABS sensor, first, remove the tire. Then remove the 10mm bolt securing the cable to the hub and the body of the car. Next, detach the sensor from the axle, being careful not to damage it. Finally, remove the mounting bracket and unplug it from the engine bay.
In this article, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to remove ABS sensor without breaking it and provide you with helpful tips and tricks along the way.
So, let’s dive in and learn.
What is ABS?
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) have become a standard safety feature in modern vehicles. They prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing drivers to maintain control and steer away from obstacles.
What is 4-wheel ABS?
One type of ABS is 4-wheel ABS, which has sensors and electrical wires going to all four wheels of a vehicle. All modern vehicles have 4-wheel ABS, and some older vehicles have 2-wheel ABS.
How Does 4-Wheel ABS Work?
This system monitors and controls the braking force of each wheel independently, providing better stability and control to the driver. With 4-wheel ABS, the braking pressure on each wheel can be adjusted to prevent skidding, even on slippery or uneven surfaces.
How To Determine Whether My Car Has 4-Wheel or 2-Wheel ABS?
To determine if a vehicle has 4-wheel ABS, one can look for electrical wires going to the center section of each wheel. If all four wheels have these wires, the vehicle likely has 4-wheel ABS. However, if no wires are going to the front of the vehicle, it may have 2-wheel ABS, which only has sensors and wires going to the two wheels in the back of the vehicle.
How To Remove ABS Sensor Without Breaking It
This is how i removed ABS sensor of my car.
First, I gathered the necessary tools, including,
- Car jack
- Two small wood blocks
- 10mm socket and wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
- A magnet
- Brake cleaner
- A rag
Removing the Tire
Then, I removed the tire to get clean access to the sensor. The steps I used to remove the tire are as follows:
Step 1: Prevent the Car from Rolling
First, I secured the emergency brake and placed two blocks of wood in front and behind the tire I was not working on. This prevented the car from rolling while I lifted the front tire.
Step 2: Loose Lug Nuts
Then I loosened the lug nuts. However, some lug nuts were tight because they weren’t torqued properly. In these cases, I used a breaker bar for more torque and leverage.
Step 3: Lift the Car
I lifted the car using a quick pump jack and placed jack stands to support the weight of the vehicle. I also used pieces of plywood to protect my driveway from the weight of the car on the jack.
Step 4: Remove the Tire
Finally, I removed the lug nuts and the tire safely.
This video will show you how to remove the tire safely, along with some important pieces of advice.
Removing the Sensor
Follow these steps to remove the ABS sensor without damaging it.
Step 1: Remove 10mm Bolts
To start, I located the ABS sensor, which ran from the back of the hub. I removed the 10mm bolt that secured the cable to the hub, then followed the cable up and removed the 10mm bolt that secured it to the body of the car.
I loosened the bolt just enough to access the plug, but I didn’t need to remove it completely.
Step 2: Detach the Sensor from Axel
Before I could remove the sensor, I had to detach it from the axle. As the bolt was hard to remove, I gently used needle-nose pliers to break it loose Avoid damaging the sensor or its wires. Once the sensor was free, I removed the mounting bracket and unplugged it from the engine bay.
Step 3: Clean the Sensor Hole
To clean the sensor wheel, I put the car in neutral and turned the wheel manually. I used a magnet to remove any metal shavings that may have collected on the sensor, then sprayed brake cleaner into the hole to remove any remaining debris.
Step 4: Clean the Sensor Wheel
Using a rag and a screwdriver, I wiped down the contacts on the sensor wheel, making sure to clean each lobe thoroughly.
Step 5: Replace the New Sensor
With the sensor wheel clean and the new sensor ready to be installed, I reversed the process of removing the old sensor. I snugged the sensor down and reinstalled the coolant reservoir and the tire. Finally, I tested the car to ensure that the ABS light was no longer on and that the sensor was functioning properly.
This video will help you with the task.
Note:
- Make sure to remove the rubber protective cap from the new sensor before installing it.
- If your car is an older model, you should manually reset the ABS light to turn it off.
5 Tips for Avoiding Damage to the ABS Sensor
These are some good suggestions I found for avoiding sensor damage.
Tip 5: Use the Right Tools
To avoid damaging the sensor, you should use the appropriate tools for the job. For instance, you may need a torque wrench, a socket set, or pliers. Avoid using tools that are too big or too small, as they can damage the sensor.
Tip 4: Clean the Area
Before you start removing the ABS sensor, you should clean the area around it. This will help prevent dirt, grime, or debris from getting inside the sensor and causing damage.
Tip 3: Use Penetrating Oil
If the ABS sensor is stuck, you can use penetrating oil to help loosen it. This oil can help dissolve any rust or corrosion that may be holding the sensor in place.
Tip 2: Be Gentle
When removing the ABS sensor, it’s important to be gentle and not use excessive force. If the sensor is not coming out easily, you may need to wiggle it back and forth gently until it comes loose.
Tip 1: Don’t Twist or Bend the Sensor
Avoid twisting or bending the sensor when removing it, as this can cause damage. Instead, use a straight pulling motion to remove the sensor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs):
Is ABS repair expensive?
All cars should have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which are a crucial safety component. It may cost between $320 and $1,000 to repair or replace a system when it is damaged. This depends on the vehicle model and the mechanic’s cost.
Why my ABS brakes are too sensitive?
Generally, the hydraulic system is contaminated, so the brakes are acting too sensitively. To ensure that you can respond effectively to any road emergency, it is best to identify the problem and have your brakes serviced as soon as possible.
How many brakes are there in a car?
Every car has two front and two rear brakes as standard equipment. Drum brakes are often found in the front and back of older automobiles. On the other hand, modern cars frequently have disc brakes on all four wheels or disc brakes up front and drum brakes in the back.
Why does my ABS work at low speeds?
A rusted sensor ring is most likely to blame for low-speed ABS activation. The ECU can no longer perceive the wheel spinning and believes the wheel has locked as a result of the signal from a rust-damaged ABS ring becoming attenuated as the wheel slows.
Conclusion
It is always better to get proper knowledge before doing unfamiliar tasks. I’m glad to provide my experiences to you. I hope I gave you everything you need to remove the ABS sensor without breaking it.
