ABS sensor ??????

Discussion in 'Maintenance Shop' started by ditgramps, Sep 13, 2011.

  1. ditgramps

    ditgramps New Member

    I'm a newbie here , please don't hurt me .
    '03 Ranger 4wd , When the brakes are applied all is well until just before the truck stops , then the brakes pedal sinks a little , gets soft , there is a soft thunk sound and it feels like the brakes have quit . Then a slight clicking and a breath taking moment of free wheeling before the truck stops .
    Is there a sensor on each wheel that can be R&R ed ?
    How do I examine the sensors to find the bad one(s)?
    Are the brake sensors the problem ?
    Any help would be tremendous .
    Many thanks.
    Ditgramps.
     
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  3. Hooligan

    Hooligan Rangerholic!!

    There are 2 sensors, one on each side front hub. You will have to pull the brakes and rotors and you will see the sensor wire run into the hub. They plug in and are secured with a bolt. You can get the sensors on ebay for around 78.00 each. Usually when they go bad the ABS light in the dash comes on. Is your dash light on?

    Here is a pic of mine, top left of the pic you see the white line, the is the sensor wire. Your will most likely be black, right behind the tie rod end
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2011
  4. Hurley

    Hurley Superultramegalurker

    If its the same as a 98-00, I have a couple for sale.
     
  5. OP
    ditgramps

    ditgramps New Member

    ABS Sensor ???

    No ABS dash lights as yet . A local shop tells me the wheel bearing is too worn and the sensor picks up a different RPM from each wheel and that's the problem . I'm not sure that makes any sense .
     
  6. Hurley

    Hurley Superultramegalurker

    The wheels should be turning the same rpms
     
  7. OP
    ditgramps

    ditgramps New Member

    ABS Sensor ???

    True the wheels turn at the same RPM while the vehicle is traveling in a straight line . However when making a turn the outside wheel is turning faster than the inside wheel .
    My problem is that the failure to brake correctly happens on straight line braking and while turning . My local guy is unable to explain why this happens .
    That's why it make little sense . He also states there is no why to test the sensors . So, have to buy a new sensor , dismantle each wheel assem , one at a time, replacing each sensor , until the bad one is found ?
    Sounds like hit and miss at best .
    All said , thanks for your replies .
     
  8. Hooligan

    Hooligan Rangerholic!!


    I think the best way to solve the problem according to the local shop would be to replace your hubs. You can get some good Centric hubs with sensors for just under 200.00 for the set. Check our vendor section here on the forum and call him for the parts. He is the cheapest around and they are good parts. I bought from him, pretty much have Centric parts on the whole front and the company is reliable. Make sure when you take it apart and replace them you put new nuts on the CV ends. You can NOT re-use them!
     
  9. greywarden

    greywarden New Member

    hey mate! i think i will be needing it but i am not sure yet because my ranger is with my mechanic so i think he will be providing parts for my truck. anyway just give me your contact number just in case. :eek: looks like my mechanic will be getting automotive parts this site.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2011
  10. rangermike

    rangermike New Member

    I have this exact same problem on my '99 ranger, how annoying!

    I realize it's been awhile since you posted this, but can you confirm if replacing the sensors was the problem alone, or did you replace the whole hubs like another member suggested?

    Any further info on this is appreciated!

    Thank you

    :thumbsup:
     
  11. ZRanger28

    ZRanger28 Got boost?

    You can test the sensors. You need to use a ociliscope and watch the wave pattern from the abs sensor. Its a up and down wave and if one is off from the rest. Well you found your problem.

    Colin, E99 F250 7.3 6spd 4" turbo back straight pipe, Autometer boost and Pyro, 340,000 miles
     

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