ABS Brake Repair: How to Repair an ABS Sensor

If you have a problem with your ABS brake sensor, you will require ABS brake repair. You’re not likely to know there’s a problem until the ABS light comes on in the dashboard. The most likely ABS brake repair you’ll need to undertake in this instance is to clean the sensor. This is one you can do yourself without any specialized equipment.

Step 1 - Remove the Wheel

To begin, use your lug wrench to lightly loosen the wheel nuts. Jack up the front end of the car and rest it on a pair of jack stands. Remove the nuts on the wheel and pull it off to expose the braking system. Turn the steering wheel in the direction opposite the one where you’ll be working. For example, to work on the driver’s side, turn the wheel to the passenger side.

Step 2 - Locate the Sensor

The next step in ABS brake repair is to locate the sensor. This should be quite easy to find as it will be attached to the suspension. The sensor is attached by a pair of bolts. Take your ratchet and select the right socket to fit over the bolts. You’ll probably need to use an extension on the ratchet in order to reach the bolts properly.

Step 3 - Remove the Sensor

With the bolts out, you can pull out the sensor. Be careful, however, as the line to it will be held in place by another two bolts. These will also have to be found and removed before you can undertake this ABS repair.

Step 4 - Clean the Sensor

Now you have the ABS sensor in your hand, you can begin cleaning it. Use clean rags to take off the road dirt and grime. You’ll see that this is quite heavily caked over the sensor. Don’t use any kind of chemical cleaner on the ABS sensor. If you want to use something liquid, take a bucket of soapy water for cleaning then rinse off with cold, clear water, giving the sensor time to dry after.

Once you have all the dirt off the front of the sensor, you’ll see a silver strip. This is the actual sensor, so you should take special care to clean it thoroughly. Keep cleaning until you’ve removed all the grime from the sensor.

Step 5 - Replace

With the sensor clean, you can begin replacing the ABS sensor to complete the ABS brake repair. Start by screwing in and tightening the bolts on the brake line. Ensure that the sensor is seated properly, then hand tighten the bolts on the knuckle of the suspension. Tighten down fully with the ratchet.

Turn the steering wheel so the wheels face the other direction and repeat the procedure with the other wheel. When you’ve finished, put the wheels back on and tighten all the bolts. Remove the jack stands and start the engine. The ABS light should no longer go on and your ABS brake repair is complete.