I hear lots of praise for Rock Auto. However I've read there are no humans available when you have issues. I've never used them.


Since you're trying to rule out component issues, I would spend the extra, just to be 100% sure. But then again you ocassionally get bad parts from stock.

 

Good point. I just ordered the OEM part.

 

Well guys, I got the part in this week and tore it apart this morning. When I removed the speed sensor, I notice white grease all over it. This is 4WD. From what I understand, you shouldn't have grease in there, but with this being 4WD, I'm not sure. Does grease indicate a failing wheel hub or is this normal in a 4WD application?

 

FYI From the manual.
Wheel Speed Sensor
All 4 wheel speed sensors are active (magneto resistive) sensors that operate on the Hall-effect principle
to generate a square wave signal proportional to the rotational speed of the wheel. Because these are
active sensors, receiving voltage from the ABS module and sending a varying voltage back to the ABS
module, they are able to detect much lower rotational speeds than passive (magnetic inductive) sensors.
Each wheel speed sensor is connected to the ABS module by 2 circuits. One circuit provides voltage for
sensor operation and the other circuit provides sensor input to the ABS module.

The front wheel speed sensors are integrated into the front wheel bearing and wheel hub assembly and
are serviced with the bearing and hub assembly.

The rear wheel speed sensors are mounted on the axle flange at the brake dust shield and can be serviced
separately.

Wheel Speed Sensor Encoders
The wheel speed sensor encoders are magnetized, toothed rings used to create a Hall-effect switch when
combined with the wheel speed sensor. The front wheel speed sensor encoders are integrated into the
front wheel bearing and are serviced with the front wheel bearing. The rear wheel speed sensor

 

It's interesting that they say the part is not serviceable, yet they sell the sensor separately.

At any rate, I went ahead and installed the sensor and buttoned everything back up. I cleared the codes and took it for a short drive and so far, so good. The issue could be intermittent at times so we'll see. Hoping to call this one resolved.

 

My Ford Workshop Manual has a procedure for changing the front wheel speed sensor. It even provides a torque spec, 150 lb·in [17 N·m], for the retaining bolt.

I think the confusion happens because a new wheel hub assembly comes with a new wheel speed sensor.

 

Was there grease all over the hub and the brake pads or just the sensor? If it was only on the sensor it could have come from outside or the previous owner tried to lube the hub. I'm guessing the hub assembly seemed good? No movement or play or grinding?

All the best, hope your fix works.