How to Reset ABS Light After Replacing the Wheel Bearing
Are you worrying about the abs light starting to illuminate after changing the wheel bearing? Don’t waste money on things like replacing the ABS unit or all the other wheel bearings. They won’t solve the problem. I had the same issue.
First, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery to cut off power. Next, press down the brake pedal to drain the electrical system and reset the central computer. After reattaching the battery cable, drive for 30 seconds to allow the computer to recalibrate. The result? The ABS light is successfully disabled.
In this article, I’ll explain you step by step how I reset ABS light successfully.
Wheel bearing change
A growling noise came from the front of my car. As it gradually increased with acceleration, I understood that the problem was in a wheel bearing. I then visited a car repair shop. The problem was with the left wheel bearing. They replaced it. I came home happy as the growling noise was over.
The Anti-lock braking Light Came On
The day after the wheel hub repair, I noticed the dashboard ABS light was on and felt unusual when braking, like a car slightly dragging to one side.
As there was no ABS problem before replacing the wheel hub, I decided to check the ABS sensor on the left front wheel.
How I Removed the ABS Sensor
First, I loosened the nuts of the wheel using a 19mm socket. I loosened the nuts before lifting the vehicle, as it is difficult to lose them if the wheel rotates when it is free.
By using a jack, I lifted the car. Then I took the wheel off after completely unscrewing the nuts.
Then I removed the brake caliper. Two 18mm bolts hold the caliper. After removing them, I was able to easily slide the caliper off. To stop it from hanging by cables, I put it on a stand.
Next, I removed the rotor. I used a T30 screwdriver to remove a small screw.
By using a T30 screwdriver, I loosened and removed the screw holding the ABS sensor. After that, I wiggled the sensor out of the chamber.
Easiest Way to Diagnose an ABS Sensor
I then unplugged the sensor from the extension cable that connects the sensor to the ECU.
Note: Sometimes your car’s issue may be with the cable. There will be no connection between the sensor and the ECU if the cable was removed by a mistake in repair. Then the ABS light come on. If so, connect it to the ECU and the ABS problem will be solved.
Then I measured the resistance between the two pins in the sensor using an ohmmeter. Reading should be within the range of 800 and 2000. But the reading was nearly 3000. It means the ABS sensor is faulty.
This video will show you how to use an ohmmeter to test the ABS sensor.
Steps to Replace
By using a small brush, I cleaned the debris inside the hole where the ABS sensor was located.
Then, I inserted a new sensor and fixed it with the screw firmly.
Next, I reassemble the brake rotor and then the caliper.
I replace the wheel and tighten the nuts with the torque wrench.
Finished! Then I lowered the car, and the brakes worked perfectly.
The final step was to reset the ABS light.
How I Reset ABS Warning Light
First, I disconnected the positive terminal from the car battery.
To drain the car’s electrical system, I hold down the brake pedal for a few seconds.
As a result, the central computer was reset.
Lastly, I reconnected the battery cable.
I then drove for 30 seconds to give my computer system a chance to recalibrate. Done! The ABS light was disabled.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs):
What is the purpose of an ABS sensor?
An ABS sensor is a wheel speed sensor that aids in determining when to activate the ABS in your car. The ABS’s purpose is to activate during emergency braking motions to assist in preventing wheel locking. As a result, you can keep control of your car and prevent crashes.
Can you remove the ABS from the car?
It is as simple as pulling a fuse. Find the fuse for the ABS, remove it, and the ABS will stop working. The ABS light will then turn on.
How long is it safe to drive while the ABS light is on?
Longer than you would typically do if you didn’t have abs. Sensor warnings include illuminated ABS warning lights. It indicates a fault in your ABS or a faulty ABS sensor.
Do I need new brakes if I have an ABS light?
Your ABS light is almost never brought on by worn brake pads. Your ABS’s functionality is unaffected by your brake pads. Keep in mind that the ABS only regulates the force applied to your brakes. Even with worn brakes, it can control the pressure.
Conclusion
If the ABS light illuminates after replacing a wheel bearing, the issue is likely caused by a damaged ABS sensor. You can simply follow the steps I did to solve the issue, which include removing and diagnosing the faulty ABS sensor, replacing it with a new one, and reassembling the brake rotor and caliper. Once the repair is complete, it’s essential to reset the ABS warning light to ensure that the issue is resolved.
