Aftermarket Speed/ABS Sensors?

[RumHam26]

I am trying to track down my overactive VSC/TRAC and ABS by checking the wheel speed sensors. They all seemed to test ok with the multimeter, so now I'm removing them to make sure they are seating properly and not damaged from a leaking seal I don't know about.

I was unsuccessful in getting the rears out so far - didn't want to break them so I'm giving them more time with the PB blaster. I got the front left out with much difficulty. Looks good inside but looks like rust MIGHT have cause it to change position slightly. The o-ring is shot, but I found a new one that seems to fit well.

I cleaned up the sensor and the mounting surface to reinstall, and now I can't get the thing seated right. I can get the sensor in to where is seems solid and seated all around, but when I put the bolt in, it lifts out a tad. I wonder if maybe the rust lifted and bend the plastic mount a tiny bit over the years. Anyway - I'm going to keep trying to get it flush, but I may need a new sensor. And I'm not too confident I'll be able to get the others out without any damage - especially the rears.

Does anyone have experience with the cheap aftermarket speed sensors? They can be had for $20-$50/wheel vs the several hundred per wheel OEM sensors. I know used OEM ones on eBay is an option too. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Bad Luck]

I am trying to track down my overactive VSC/TRAC and ABS by checking the wheel speed sensors. They all seemed to test ok with the multimeter, so now I'm removing them to make sure they are seating properly and not damaged from a leaking seal I don't know about.

I was unsuccessful in getting the rears out so far - didn't want to break them so I'm giving them more time with the PB blaster. I got the front left out with much difficulty. Looks good inside but looks like rust MIGHT have cause it to change position slightly. The o-ring is shot, but I found a new one that seems to fit well.

I cleaned up the sensor and the mounting surface to reinstall, and now I can't get the thing seated right. I can get the sensor in to where is seems solid and seated all around, but when I put the bolt in, it lifts out a tad. I wonder if maybe the rust lifted and bend the plastic mount a tiny bit over the years. Anyway - I'm going to keep trying to get it flush, but I may need a new sensor. And I'm not too confident I'll be able to get the others out without any damage - especially the rears.

Does anyone have experience with the cheap aftermarket speed sensors? They can be had for $20-$50/wheel vs the several hundred per wheel OEM sensors. I know used OEM ones on eBay is an option too. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Have you tried flashing your ABS module for codes?

 

[RumHam26]

Have you tried flashing your ABS module for codes?

I haven't, but I don't have any lights on. I suppose it's still worth a try right?

 

[Bad Luck]

I haven't, but I don't have any lights on. I suppose it's still worth a try right?

You should at least have a stored history code if your problem is a wheel speed sensor

 

[RumHam26]

You should at least have a stored history code if your problem is a wheel speed sensor

I did the procedure to read the codes - I have a 2001. My diagnostic port seemed to have no shorting pin to remove. So I connected E1 to Tc and turn the ignition on. The ABS and cruise control lights where blinking nonstop, and the VSC/TRAC lights were blinking in patterns, which I found to be odd since everything I have read said it would be the ABS lights. The codes I got were 31, 37, and 51.

Other than testing, cleaning, and possibly replacing the sensor that I should consider?

I know to check the tone ring for oil, debris and damage as well.

 

[Bad Luck]

I did the procedure to read the codes - I have a 2001. My diagnostic port seemed to have no shorting pin to remove. So I connected E1 to Tc and turn the ignition on. The ABS and cruise control lights where blinking nonstop, and the VSC/TRAC lights were blinking in patterns, which I found to be odd since everything I have read said it would be the ABS lights. The codes I got were 31, 37, and 51.

Other than testing, cleaning, and possibly replacing the sensor that I should consider?

I know to check the tone ring for oil, debris and damage as well.

From a 2000 FSM. It's a different brake system setup than 01-02 but I don't see them changing the codes for those two years
31- "right front speed sensor open/short"
37- "neither front speed sensor rotor missing"
51- "abs pump motor lock"
You should hear the ABS pump kick on at startup for a test cycle.

 

[RumHam26]

From a 2000 FSM. It's a different brake system setup than 01-02 but I don't see them changing the codes for those two years
31- "right front speed sensor open/short"
37- "neither front speed sensor rotor missing"
51- "abs pump motor lock"
You should hear the ABS pump kick on at startup for a test cycle.

Thanks for the reply. I do here the hydraulic brake system kick on when I turn the car on - it kind of sounds like a rattling pump noise, which I read is normal. Is that different than the abs pump? Also - my abs still works - it is just over active. And no abs light. Would my abs still work if the pump was locked? And is it possible for a bad sensor to throw all three of those codes?

 

[RumHam26]

I am discovering that the abs codes are different that the VSC codes

From what I can tell
31 - malfunction in steering angle sensor
37 - malfunction in neutral start switch
51 - ECM system malfunction

Any ideas??

 

[Bad Luck]

I am discovering that the abs codes are different that the VSC codes

From what I can tell
31 - malfunction in steering angle sensor
37 - malfunction in neutral start switch
51 - ECM system malfunction

Any ideas??

The rattling noise is the abs pump self check. I have no experience with the VSC system. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[RumHam26]

The rattling noise is the abs pump self check. I have no experience with the VSC system. Sorry I can't be of more help.

No worries! I appreciate it

 

[RumHam26]

Just to follow up on this - I reseated the front left speed sensor, and I replaced the front right with a cheap $20 Amazon sensor. Replacing the front right took care of my problems and I'm happy. It fit very well - had all the necessary mounting points. I just covered anything made of metal with fluid film in hopes of extending the life here in the midwest. If it fails on me prematurely, I will report back.

If anyone else is curious about aftermarket speed sensors, I had a mechanic recommend the Vemo brand if I didn't want to spend the money on OEM. They can be found on Rock Auto around $40 to $60 - I already had the cheap Amazon one on hand, but I would probably go with the Vemo one next time based on the recommendation.