Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacing Rear Axle Speed Sensor

[lbailey47]

98. 5, 24 valve diesel, 5 spd Quad Cab... . speedometer doesn't kick in until about 60 mph... . also ABS warning light.



I'm planning to replace the rear axle speed sensor this weekend. I tried to remove it several months ago but could only feel it... . couldn't see it & didn't get it out. (I was laying on my back under the rear axle & the sensor is on the top of the hub?)



This time, I plan to drop the spare tire so I can see what I'm doing.



It this right way to go about this? Other suggestions? What can I expect to pay for the speed sensor?



Thanks!

 

[JSykes]

I just replaced mine about a month ago. My is a 4x4 so I did not have any clearance issues. The sensor is plastic and is subject to breaking. But don't worry, if it breaks you can still pull it out with a pair of needlenose pliers (nothing will drop into the rear end). Just keep rotating it while you are trying to pull it out.



If yours is a 2x4, then you would be better off with dropping the spare tire.



The part itself cost $35. 00 at the dealer close to where I work. The dealer closest to the house was wanting $44. 00. I would not pay over $40. 00 for it.

 

[gsdog1]

I replaced mine after 120k miles or so because of the same problems.



Honestly, not too big of a deal. I didn't have to do much else other than crawl my sorry self under the back with an appropriately sized end wrench and pair of channel locks to get the old one out. A rubber hammer helped me put the new one back in.



Mines a 4X4 and I had no problems with the spare tire.



And yes, over 40 USD and you are getting robbed! I had to hit two different places before I got a reasonable price.



Matt

 

[Michael Hughes]

I must be getting old, I have a 4x4 and had to take the spare down. I couldn't get far enough away from the rearend to see clearly



I had the same problem as lbailey, no speedo and ABS/Brake warning lights.



The truck had 115,180 miles on it when I replaced the sensor.



Part # 5014787AA Sensor (ABS/Speed) $34. 13 from the local Dodge dealer.

 

[bighammer]

I don't get it. My dealer wants $85 for the same part.



(same dealer that wants 1 hour shop rate to recalibrate speedo)

 

[JSykes]

Bighammer, I get why they want $85 for the same part. They are taking advantage of a common problem. This is such a common problem that the dealer I went to did not have to look the part number up. He knew it off the top of his head. Your dealer is thinking that he can make an extra $50 off each part because it is a part that everyone needs. Most people don't think to check prices at different dealers. Sounds like that dealer is a little more crooked than the rest of them.

 

[gsdog1]

The 4. 5 inches of lift and 35" tires didn't hurt when I went to do the job!



Matt

 

[JAlford]

2500 or 3500?

My rear speed sensor went at 38000 miles (Murphy at work), and the dealer wouldn't cover it under warranty. I have 4wheel ABS, so my speedo still worked fine.



The easy way to diagnose the ABS system is with the DRB-III. It will set codes in the controller module. However, if you have 4wheel ABS, your speedo should be still working. Any of the speed sensors (there are 3 on 4wheel ABS trucks plus one extra if you have the 4spd auto trans) will run the speedo. It is easy to replace, but failure of the sensor normally is total. Considering that it works after you get above 60 mph, you could have a corroded or loose connection in the twisted pair (the wires going from the sensor to the PCM). The sensor produces low current AC voltage when the exciter ring (located between the ring gear and the diff chunk) is turning. You may have some other problem if the speedo is still working and you don't have 4wheel ABS, or the speedo isn't working and you do have 4wheel ABS. If the rear wheel speed sensor is the problem, you won't have to have the controller recalibrated. If you have to replace the controller, the tire circumference and axle ratio will have to be entered to calibrate the speedo.

 

[Cooker]

bighammer,

Do you need me to pick you up one down here? I think I even have a spare sitting on the shelf, seriously