ABS speed sensor covered in grease

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H

heckboy

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Threads
25
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74
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
I have been getting the VERY intermittant ABS light (code 32). I had the Birf's done in May. When I pulled the sensors they were fully covered in thick grease. Is this normal or could this be causing the problem?

Thanks
 
That is unquestionably the problem.
 
covered in grease is not abnormal and probably not the problem. It is a magnet pickup so look for bits of metal shavings to cause a problem. They also need to be removed during the repack so look for damage to the harness or possibly the tip of the sensor if it wasn't removed and they tried to pull the birf first.
 
heckboy said:
So we are one "unquestionably the problem" to one "not abnormal and probably not the problem" anyone for the tie breaker?
Click to expand...

I'll join Rick on this, for a tie breaker. I'm not sure how you could stick an ABS sensor in a knuckle full of grease and keep it clean of grease. Perhaps the person that posted that was being sarcastic. Like Mr. Bigelow stated, the magnets are what sense the ABS ring on the birf. Mine definitely had some shavings on the magnets and I cleaned them off before installing the sensor back into the knuckle.

The ABS wiring is fairly vulnerable so give that a check like Rick said.
 
Grease = normal.
The ABS sensor lives in grease and hovers right over the top of a toothed gear on the edge of a birfield packed in a chamber 3/4 full of molly grease.
 
So something I didn't add. I had the Birfs serviced at a shop in May. When I pulled the sensor on the right it was clearly stuck in there (had to use a little WD-40 to get it out). So it obviously wasn't pulled out during the service. If the wires are disconnected but the sensors are not removed, can you F-up the ABS sensor during a birf job? During the rebuild the mechanic failed to put a star nut in the assembly. So the nut back out and caused a loud thud when braking. They fixed the problem (no charge). The mechanic said I could beat the ABS sensor on the concrete and it wouldn't fail because it works off a magnetic pulse and there is nothing to break in it, but it is reading low voltage when he checks it. Tomorrow he is going to switch ABS sensors from L-R and see if it fails. If it works then he will pull the birf apart to check the excitor ring. Any opinions (strong ones encouraged with backing evidence) if this is most likely a worn out sensor or perhaps a traumatic death?
 
Turns out the sensor was the problem. One of those "duh why didn't I think of that" moments. Since the part # are the same he switched the R and L and the symptoms (pulling to the left) went to the other side. Is the ABS sensor a dealer only part? I called a few parts houses with no luck.
 
heckboy said:
Turns out the sensor was the problem. One of those "duh why didn't I think of that" moments. Since the part # are the same he switched the R and L and the symptoms (pulling to the left) went to the other side. Is the ABS sensor a dealer only part? I called a few parts houses with no luck.
Click to expand...


Contact CruiserDan at American Toyota Parts.

1-800-432-6668

If Dan's not there talk to one of the other parts guys, and make sure to mention the MUD discount. Or wait for him to get back.
 
heckboy said:
Turns out the sensor was the problem. One of those "duh why didn't I think of that" moments. Since the part # are the same he switched the R and L and the symptoms (pulling to the left) went to the other side. Is the ABS sensor a dealer only part? I called a few parts houses with no luck.
Click to expand...

The ABS sensor harness includes both sensors. AFAIK, you cannot buy a single sensor. The assembly is spendy so your mechanic is not going to be happy that he overlooked pulling the ABS sensor before he pulled the birf.

FWIW, some have repaired a busted sensor using various forms of glue or JBWeld. Post pics of your bad sensor.

Also, there is virtually a zero chance that your problem was the exciter ring. Those are indestructible.

-B-
 
Not that I forgot to take them out the third time in a week I torn down the axle but how much banging will these sensors take? I mean are we talking about a slam hammer hits or a couple sharpe tugs?
 
I removed my sensors when i replaced the CV joints,when i built it up and took it for a run the ABS light came on,,there was no hammering involved in the complete process..
the sensors came out easily and went back in with no problems,no wires where disconected and the ignition was switched off the full time i was doing the repair..
when i start the engine the light goes out but after a short drive it comes on...
 
heckboy said:
New sensor installed. Now when ABS goes on it doesn't pull either way BUT ABS is still going firing during stopping (slow speeds). Could an exciter ring fall off?
Click to expand...

I think we may not be getting the whole story here.

What year is this truck?

Does it have a lift?

Are all 4 tires the same size and wear?
 
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