Abs Quick Check And Possiable Fix - Sensor Ring Check

[SwFsnapper]

Hi,

 

ABS light just come on? MOT due in a few weeks? Me to... I did a bit of research and managed to fix the problem with little cost and a few hours, so I'd thought, as this forum had helped me out in the past, I'd pass some of this good fortune of mine using pictures I took as I went along :D

 

For info the ABS light is an MOT failure and taking the bulb out of the dash will not work because they look for the ABS light when the ignition comes on. If it doesn't then they'll charge you to replace the bulb and then they'll find the ABS faulty... Doh! So best just fix the ABS and be done with it. But don't fret; there could be a quick and easy solution as I found out today.

 

A very, very rough and brief explanation of the ABS system: There is an electronic box that monitors the speed of each wheel, if the box sees a difference in wheel speed (i.e. locked up brakes) the electronic box releases the brakes until the speeds match and then reapplies the brakes. Each wheel is monitored by speed sensors which get the reading off a speed sensor ring found on the end of the CV joint for the front wheels and a disk on the back of the hub for the rear wheels (See pictures)

 

 

The CV joint on the front, over time becomes corroded and the ring gets broken as the cast CV joint expands. First thing to do is inspect these rings.

 

There is no need to jack the car up on put it on ramps but it would be an advantage, even better would to put the car on axel stands and remove the wheel. With any luck you should see the ring in good condition as above. But there is a chance that the ring is broken up like I found on my Alhambra today. (See picture)

 

 

The broken up ring gets caught up on the ABS sensor and refuses to turn. Its quiet easy to illustrate this if you jack the car up and turn the wheels. As you can see I managed to remove the ring in two bits, very fiddly but not impossible.

 

 

Here you can see the ring removed from the CV joint and a clear picture of the ABS sensor. I

[SwFsnapper]

PS If there is an area on this site for technical procedures, could some one let me know - If there isn't, could I suggest such a thing where people can downloed procedures?

 

Cheers SwFsnapper

[mumof4]

Yes there is and yes we will.

 

Good post there hun.

[NikpV]

PS If there is an area on this site for technical procedures, could some one let me know - If there isn't, could I suggest such a thing where people can downloed procedures?

 

Cheers SwFsnapper

 

added to the FAQ here

 

thanks only feedback I would give is make the pictures larger :) - oh and the text simpler in case mumof4 reads it :)

Edited March 21, 2007 by NikpV

[Dave-G]

Good one mate - I'd never have thought about gluing it back in place.

 

If you could find pink rings anywhere it might help the girls too :)

[mumof4]

If you could find pink rings anywhere it might help the girls too :P

 

 

Oooooo errrr !!... :) :) :)

[Andy JG]

Thanks SwFsnapper! Your post helped me sort out my ABS today. (Galaxy 2.3 1997) The past couple of weeks the right offside wheel has had a judder from the ABS kicking in, usually at lower speeds. Very unnerving. However, it wasn't constant - very intermittent. Also my ABS light wasn't lighting up on the dash-board. Haynes manual not much help, and I feared an expensive trip to the garage.

 

Having read your article I decided to have a look-see myself. (I'm a DIY mechanic, can change discs and brakes, even the odd timing belt. )

 

Looking at the CV joint I could see the ABS Sensor (mine also was rusted in place) and the ring that it senses. This ring had a break in it (as was yours), thus I knew what the problem was. The ring is a soft metal, and easily snaps. Following your instructions I was able to glue (Araldite) it in place - a very very messy process, and not easy. The wire around to hold it in place is a good idea as the ring doesn't snap into place as it's bent and not very elastic. My ABS now works.

 

A question - your repair was a year ago: is it still holding fast?

Second Q - if the repair fails and the ring falls apart, will the brakes still work do you think (enough to get home).

 

Much appreciated the article!

 

Andy

Edited May 19, 2008 by Andy JG

[big_kev]

Second Q - if the repair fails and the ring falls apart, will the brakes still work do you think (enough to get home).

 

The only effect of the ABS light coming on is that your ABS may longer work.

Hence the orange light.

 

This is not a serious problem as your ordinary braking system will still work exactly the same as it used to do in the good old days before ABS.

If your Red light comes on this indicates a potentially serious problem with your ordinary braking system and you should stop the car at immediately (if you can ! ).

 

It is however an MOT failure for the ABS not to work although not in itself dangerous.

If it was you would have to ban every car on the road that didn't have ABS.

 

Similar to a seat belt not working properly and yet there are old cars on the road made before seat belts came out where it is perfectly acceptable not to have any.

 

As you can tell I am not a fan of ABS.. :unsure:

[TeamGreen]

Cheers SwFsnapper,

 

I have been putting off fixing my ABS for sometime and as the mot is due in June then time was creeping up on me. Here's hoping for a dry weekend as guess what I will be doing?

[zebra]

is the ring plastic or metal and should it have small groves in it all the way around sorry for asking but i can not see the pictures .

[SwFsnapper]

Hi all,

 

The ring is metal.

 

Over a year later and my repair is still holdng!!

 

Thanks to all for a great forum, helped me out loads.

 

SwFsnapper

[johnnyboy1000]

Hi,

 

ABS light just come on? MOT due in a few weeks? Me to... I did a bit of research and managed to fix the problem with little cost and a few hours, so I'd thought, as this forum had helped me out in the past, I'd pass some of this good fortune of mine using pictures I took as I went along :lol:

 

For info the ABS light is an MOT failure and taking the bulb out of the dash will not work because they look for the ABS light when the ignition comes on. If it doesn't then they'll charge you to replace the bulb and then they'll find the ABS faulty... Doh! So best just fix the ABS and be done with it. But don't fret; there could be a quick and easy solution as I found out today.

 

A very, very rough and brief explanation of the ABS system: There is an electronic box that monitors the speed of each wheel, if the box sees a difference in wheel speed (i.e. locked up brakes) the electronic box releases the brakes until the speeds match and then reapplies the brakes. Each wheel is monitored by speed sensors which get the reading off a speed sensor ring found on the end of the CV joint for the front wheels and a disk on the back of the hub for the rear wheels (See pictures)

 

 

The CV joint on the front, over time becomes corroded and the ring gets broken as the cast CV joint expands. First thing to do is inspect these rings.

 

There is no need to jack the car up on put it on ramps but it would be an advantage, even better would to put the car on axel stands and remove the wheel. With any luck you should see the ring in good condition as above. But there is a chance that the ring is broken up like I found on my Alhambra today. (See picture)

 

 

The broken up ring gets caught up on the ABS sensor and refuses to turn. Its quiet easy to illustrate this if you jack the car up and turn the wheels. As you can see I managed to remove the ring in two bits, very fiddly but not impossible.

 

 

Here you can see the ring removed from the CV joint and a clear picture of the ABS sensor. I

[johnnyboy1000]

you are the top man saved me loads of time and cash

[vr6 rocks]

thnx saved me loads cant find any in the uk :rolleyes:

[SwFsnapper]

Hi

 

After 2 years my epoxy repair finally gave out. Which is fine because it gave me some time to do some research on a more permanent and economical repair.

 

I found a company on the internet that sold replacement rings for

[gregers]

the fix only lasted 2 years,thats not very good now is it? :rolleyes: :lol:

 

on a serious note well done for posting yet more very detailed pictures and instructions :46:

 

17 posts in 3 years have to watch you you post far too much :D :D ;)

Edited September 3, 2009 by gregers

[terry37]

I had the same problem of the ABS light coming on on my 2001 Mk2 Galaxy, a few months ago. Turned out it was the front nearside ABS sensor that had thrown its hand in.

 

I did the repair myself and it was a pain to remove the old sensor as it was stuck fast due to dirt and rust...even though the sensor is plastic encased !

 

I eventually had to destroy the sensor to get it out by first drilling a series of holes in it, and then breaking it up with a screwdriver and removing it piece by piece.

 

The new one cost me

[SwFsnapper]

Hi,

 

Yup, I was a bit disappointed that my repair only lasted 2 years, but its a pretty exposed area round the hub. I would highly recommend replacing the ring instead.

 

I am absolutely stoked that I have helped out a few people. I for one (because of my large family, thus the MPV) can't afford all garage costs. So by research and doing these jobs my self I can save money that can go towards jobs that are out of my scope.

 

Thanks for all your comments and the help from other people on this site. Keep up the good work.

 

SwFsnapper

[Smilge]

Cracking post there SwFsnapper! ..... thanks for your time in putting some great info on this site.

[big_kev]

17 posts in 3 years have to watch you you post far too much :rolleyes: :lol: ;)

 

Yes but they are quality posts,

 

Well done SwFsnapper ( don't think thats his real name ! )

[gregers]

17 posts in 3 years have to watch you you post far too much :rolleyes: :lol: ;)

 

Yes but they are quality posts,

 

Well done SwFsnapper ( don't think thats his real name ! )

 

YEP I AGREE compared to the useless drivel we normally post eh BIG ;)

[bosshogg_hgte]

I had the same problem of the ABS light coming on on my 2001 Mk2 Galaxy, a few months ago. Turned out it was the front nearside ABS sensor that had thrown its hand in.

 

I did the repair myself and it was a pain to remove the old sensor as it was stuck fast due to dirt and rust...even though the sensor is plastic encased !

 

I eventually had to destroy the sensor to get it out by first drilling a series of holes in it, and then breaking it up with a screwdriver and removing it piece by piece.

 

The new one cost me

[seatkid]

.

someone has quoted me

[bosshogg_hgte]

Stupid question coming up, sorry you have probably heard it from people before so i am sorry in advance.

 

Does anyone have the part number for the front nearside ABS sensor for a Galaxy 2001 2.3 Ghia (larger brake discs, probably makes no difference anyway)

Also, as the part will come from the ford parts department in a nice little clear bag with a ford emblem on it, it will probably be stamped with VAG. so is the a VW part number that is for the same part?

 

thanks in advance

Also, gotta point out that this thread is well worth the time to read

[szebenijc]

hi there,

when i was out on the snow today my red handbreak warning light went on and than the abs orange light went on too?

could it be the same problem (ie the ring is broken?)

 

can i still ride with both lights on?

 

thanks chris