ABS sensors are crucial for the ABS system to work. This system prevents the wheels to lock when braking in dangerous situations. In this way, the driver remains in control of the car. ABS sensors are composed of a toothed ring and a magnet.
The ABS sensors are placed on each wheel of the car: Their function is to monitor the wheels' rotation speed. Depending on the information sent by the ABS sensor to the engine computer, the computer will adapt the braking pressure. This information about the wheel speed will also be useful for both the engine system, the transmission system, or the navigation system for example.
Therefore, the ABS sensors are indispensable for your safety while driving, as well as your comfort.
In the case of a bad ABS sensor, you should have it changed as soon as possible. Before the replacement, it will first be necessary to clean the sensor with a metallic brush. Then, you can install the new ABS sensor, and make sure the sensor cable is well placed. For mechanics, or for handy car owners, the ABS sensor replacement is relatively quick and simple and should take about ten minutes.
To make sure the ABS sensor in your car is correctly changed, let a qualified mechanic do it for you.
After a while, the toothed ring and the magnet can wear out and will alter the ABS sensor performance. Some signs can indicate that one or several ABS sensors are faulty.
But how to tell which ABS sensor is bad? In order to find out, you will need to test each ABS sensor.
Different methods exist in order to test the ABS sensors of your car: This test can be done with a voltmeter which will measure the current, with an ohmmeter which will measure the electrical resistance, or with an oscilloscope. The easiest method is to use a voltmeter for the test.
First of all, you need to find the location of the ABS sensor you want to test: Usually, they are fitted on the wheel hub. When this is done, disconnect the wires on the sensor and attach the voltmeter to the sensor. Then, you can perform the test by spinning the wheel, as you can read the voltage.
Sometimes, if the ABS sensor light is on, it doesn’t always mean that the sensor is faulty, but it could be that it needs a cleaning.
Before proceeding to the cleaning of the sensor, you should prepare the car. Make sure to park on a flat surface, engage the hand brake, and lift up your vehicle by using jack stands. Then, you can remove the wheel.
The ABS sensor might be covered by plastic protection. If so, remove it. Afterwards, you can unscrew the sensor by removing the bolts, and you will be able to remove the sensor without having to pull. When this is done, you can clean the sensor by using the right product or just wipe it with a cloth.
Once the sensor is cleaned, reinstall the sensor the exact same way you removed it, without forgetting the ABS sensor protection cover if needed.
It is advised to clean the ABS sensor each time the brake pads are changed, as the sensors will be easily accessible.
If a fix is necessary on one ABS sensor, it will probably be on the ABS sensor wire. To carry out the repair, you will need to solder the ABS sensor's broken wire.
However, sometimes it won’t be possible to fix the ABS sensor cable, and it will therefore be necessary to have it completely replaced.
| Make | Compare and save* | You save on average* | Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | £117 | 23% |
4.7
(11)
9
1
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| BMW | £70 | 20% |
4.7
(24)
19
3
2
0
0
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|
|
| Citroën | £99 | 38% |
4.6
(5)
4
0
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Ford | £98 | 21% |
4.5
(10)
6
3
1
0
0
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|
|
| Mercedes-Benz | £115 | 23% |
4.4
(10)
8
0
1
0
1
Read the reviews
|
|
| Nissan | £52 | 20% |
5.0
(6)
6
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Peugeot | £55 | 19% |
4.9
(8)
7
1
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Renault | £57 | 21% |
5.0
(4)
4
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Vauxhall | £90 | 25% |
5.0
(5)
5
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Volkswagen | £114 | 24% |
4.5
(6)
4
1
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Make | Save on average* | |||
|
Audi
4.7
(11)
9
1
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£117 / 23% | |||
|
BMW
4.7
(24)
19
3
2
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£70 / 20% | |||
|
Citroën
4.6
(5)
4
0
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£99 / 38% | |||
|
Ford
4.5
(10)
6
3
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£98 / 21% | |||
|
Mercedes-Benz
4.4
(10)
8
0
1
0
1
Read the reviews
|
£115 / 23% | |||
|
Nissan
5.0
(6)
6
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£52 / 20% | |||
|
Peugeot
4.9
(8)
7
1
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£55 / 19% | |||
|
Renault
5.0
(4)
4
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£57 / 21% | |||
|
Vauxhall
5.0
(5)
5
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£90 / 25% | |||
|
Volkswagen
4.5
(6)
4
1
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
£114 / 24% |
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