Trouble replacing front passenger ABS Speed Sensor (won't seat properly)

[Ron_Mexico]

Does anyone here have issues/difficulties replacing the ABS speed sensors on these vehicles?

I removed the old one (had to drill it out). I used a wire bristle brush to clean out the cavity where you insert the new sensor but it is a very tight fit.

My fingers hurt from all the pushing and trying to seat the sensor fully. I can see a 1/8" to 1/16" gap from where it is supposed to sit against the wheel hub.

Does anyone else have any suggestions??

I have a 2006 4runner sport V6 4WD

 

[4R005]

Its a very snug fit even with hole cleaned. I broke two sensors in same location 5 months apart last year. First time when I removed OEM unit ( my ride is a 05 w/V8 ) to replace a split CV boot. Hole had rust in it. Installed new sensor after cleaning hole and lubbing it with light film of grease.
5 months later had to change out wheel bearing. Broke 5 month old sensor ( @#$%^ ). Lesson learned. DO NOT twist/turn ( even a slight rotation will break plastic body into two ) sensor body flange for removal. The gap you see is that the o-ring next to sensor flange had not seated into slight groove in sensor hole. You'll feel it when it 'drop' into and seat in the hole and the gap will disappear.
If for any reason you need to remove sensor, I 'll suggest prying from opposite sides of flange simultaneously.
Another lesson learned. Do not over grease hole as sensor will push material ahead and close air gap between sensor tip and ABS ring and can lite dash ( TCS,ABS etc ).
Third lesson learned. I did not have to remove sensors to changeout CV boot or wheel bearing if I was careful when removing/reinstalling CV shaft to not contact sensor's protruding tip.
Good luck.

 

[Drcoffee]

Find a drill bit that matches the diameter of the new sensor ream the hole. Open the hole so the sensor can fit. The tolerance isnt that specific for the sensor to function. Its more important that it seats to the correct depth.

That said, are you sure you dont have the drivers side sensor?? IIRC there is a step in the hole that aligns the sensor. If you have the wrong sensor, it will not seat the full depth. Double check yours

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Find a drill bit that matches the diameter of the new sensor ream the hole. Open the hole so the sensor can fit. The tolerance isnt that specific for the sensor to function. Its more important that it seats to the correct depth.

That said, are you sure you dont have the drivers side sensor?? IIRC there is a step in the hole that aligns the sensor. If you have the wrong sensor, it will not seat the full depth. Double check yours

I managed to clean the hole out with a dremel wire brush. The sensor fit it nice and easy. I have the connector plugged in and went for a drive. I figured the ABS light would reset and go away after some driving but it didn’t.

I do have a code reader that reads/clears trouble codes, including ABS codes. Should I use this to clear the ABS code or drive some more and let the computer handle it on its own??

 

[pearlj10]

Glad it cleared up easy. Clear the codes with a scanner. IRK the sensors should reset once you hit 30-35 mph, not after extended miles. If the ABS light is still on after you clear the codes and drive it, I’d pull the remaining sensors and see if there’s oil or crud on them, clean them, and try again.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I had to do a wheel bearing replacement and that cleared to ABS trouble codes finally!!!

Thank you all for your help!!

 

[4R005]

When I did mine, the dash lights went off when engine was first started and vehicle moved about 10-15 feet without me having to erase the codes. Both times after new installs. Another area to check is continuity between wires of the connector at the sensor and the next connector located just above wheel well. ( I removed air filter body to access this connector ). This is to ensure that wires were not damaged/stretched/separated from their pins during removal. Suggest you do this check before checking remaining sensors from other wheels and risk breaking them during removal. Note: Can check sensor tip for obstruction w/o removal but will need to remove front wheel bearing assembly which can be a PITA. Cannot comment for rear wheel bearing assemblies cos I have not done one yet for the 4R.