Driver side ABS sensor install gone wrong? How does it go on? Advice needed (1 Viewer)

[Chibu]

So the ABS sensor on the driver side wheel is sticking out of the hole it goes into by about 1 cm. I recently did bearings and CV axle and that meant removing rotor, dust shield and the ABS sensor in question. When putting it back, I think I messed up by putting the oil seal for the dust shield on the wrong way (or something, I don't know) and then putting on the rotor first before testing the fitment of ABS sensor. On the part of the sensor that goes into the hole on the steering knuckle, I see some indentations that makes me think that it goes on only a certain way into the hole and if stuff isn't lined up, it won't slide in as it should. I'm going to be taking off the hub assembly again just to get this ABS right because I'm getting the ABS and VSC lights on the dash.

Is there anything that could potentially block the ABS sensor from fitting properly? Should it go into the steering knuckle first before anything else?

Also full disclosure, the ABS and VSC lights came on yesterday when I was test driving the car and the brake pedal was going all the way to the floor before I got any braking power due to air being in the brake system, so I'm getting that bled out today, we'll see what changes after that, but for now, I wanna concentrate on this ABS sensor because I just cannot sit still with little details like this.

 

[ramangain]

So the ABS sensor on the driver side wheel is sticking out of the hole it goes into by about 1 cm. I recently did bearings and CV axle and that meant removing rotor, dust shield and the ABS sensor in question. When putting it back, I think I messed up by putting the oil seal for the dust shield on the wrong way (or something, I don't know) and then putting on the rotor first before testing the fitment of ABS sensor. On the part of the sensor that goes into the hole on the steering knuckle, I see some indentations that makes me think that it goes on only a certain way into the hole and if stuff isn't lined up, it won't slide in as it should. I'm going to be taking off the hub assembly again just to get this ABS right because I'm getting the ABS and VSC lights on the dash.

Is there anything that could potentially block the ABS sensor from fitting properly? Should it go into the steering knuckle first before anything else?

Also full disclosure, the ABS and VSC lights came on yesterday when I was test driving the car and the brake pedal was going all the way to the floor before I got any braking power due to air being in the brake system, so I'm getting that bled out today, we'll see what changes after that, but for now, I wanna concentrate on this ABS sensor because I just cannot sit still with little details like this.

Pics would definitely help.

As per you last paragraph, did this happen after the front wheel bearing work? If so, were the brake lines disconnected? If not, you need to go back and reset both spindle nuts and the claw washer via the FSM on both wheels. Look up my post about "950 miles" if you're curious what may happen if you don't.

 

[badlander]

The inner oil seal gasket has a cutout to allow the sensor to pass thru into the cavity. If not installed with the cutout lined up with sensor hole in the knuckle you won't be able to get the sensor in.
Also, the oil seal has a stamped recess which also has to be lined up with the sensor hole.

 

[planomateo]

Here I sit pontificating, will this thread deliver like the last.

 

[ramangain]

Pontificating is crucial to solving global warming.

"Raising awareness" while sipping prosecco ....

"A little man in the village ...."

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Here I sit pontificating, will this thread deliver like the last.

 

[Chibu]

Pics would definitely help.

As per you last paragraph, did this happen after the front wheel bearing work? If so, were the brake lines disconnected? If not, you need to go back and reset both spindle nuts and the claw washer via the FSM on both wheels. Look up my post about "950 miles" if you're curious what may happen if you don't.

Yes, this happened after front wheel bearing work and the brake lines were disconnected. I have had the brakes bled and they're in top form. The lights are still there along with the OFF light for the AHC blinking. The OFF light goes away on startup but comes back after a few feet of driving.

Here I sit pontificating, will this thread deliver like the last.

Hopefully, I don't devolve the thread into chaos again lol

 

[Chibu]

The inner oil seal gasket has a cutout to allow the sensor to pass thru into the cavity. If not installed with the cutout lined up with sensor hole in the knuckle you won't be able to get the sensor in.
Also, the oil seal has a stamped recess which also has to be lined up with the sensor hole.

Duly noted, will revisit. Thanks for the clear answer. Just what I was looking (hoping) for. Just to be sure, it's the oil seal gasket for the dust shield right?

 

[badlander]

Correct. The large seal held on by four bolts. The cutout in the gasket and the hump in the seal should both be oriented towards the front to line up with the sensor hole in the knuckle.