ABS/Wheel speed sensor replacement
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ABS/Wheel speed sensor replacement
How much does a ABS/Wheel speed sensor replacement cost?
The anti-lock braking system on your car is a secondary defence that prevents you from locking up your brakes.
ABS sensors, also known as wheel speed sensors, are critical in determining when the ABS system should activate.
In normal, everyday driving conditions, an ABS sensor may never fail.
However, corrosion or damage to the wiring or the sensor itself can happen, causing faulty readings or no reading at all, and it will need to be replaced.
You should expect at least 100,000km before an ABS or wheel speed sensor replacement is required.
The average price for a new ABS sensor to be installed begins around $375 and can range up well above $600, depending on the car’s make and model.
Cars operated in dusty regions or in coastal areas with salty air will usually experience problems more often.
What is an ABS/Wheel speed sensor?
A wheel speed sensor is an electrical component to measure rotation of a wheel.
There are commonly wheel speed sensors at every wheel on a car with anti-lock brakes, either integrated into the wheel hub assembly or bolted to the steering knuckle.
The sensor itself is a magnetic pickup that determines the position of a rotating trigger wheel.
The ABS sensors monitor each wheel simultaneously, then their reading is received by a central ABS module.
Each sensor’s reading is compared to the vehicle speed and to each other in real-time to determine if ABS brakes should activate.
If one sensor is not reading consistent information or is not transmitting a reading at all, it will need to be replaced.
Symptoms ABS/Wheel speed sensor requires replacement
- The ABS warning light is illuminated
- ABS brakes activate erroneously
- The brakes lock up on hard application
- The Traction Control warning may illuminate as well
How is an ABS sensor replaced?
- The technician performs a diagnostic test on the ABS system
- The car is lifted and the affected wheel is removed
- The ABS sensor wiring connector is unfastened and checked for damage
- The ABS sensor is unbolted from the wheel knuckle. In many cases, the ABS sensor is integrated in the wheel hub, which must be replaced as an assembly
- The new ABS sensor is fitted and secured
- The wheel is reinstalled and the car lowered
- The technician clears related ABS codes and performs a road test to confirm the repair
Tips to remember
- Damage or corrosion to ABS system wiring can cause symptoms that mimic a failed wheel speed sensor. Professional diagnosis is critical to avoid unnecessary repairs.
How important is it to replace a failed ABS/wheel speed sensor?
Having a faulty wheel speed sensor replaced gives you confidence that your ABS brakes will operate when they are needed, bringing your car safely to a stop.
Driving your car with a faulty ABS sensor can put you and your occupants in danger of an accident as you may not be able to safely stop your car.
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru.com.au.
We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
