2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Yet an other ABS?BRAKE light issue

[apat]

I have searched this topic and decided to post my circumstances with hopes someone can shed so light on the problem. After noticing a leaking axle seal on the passenger side, I put the truck in the shop for repair. When I picked it up, the ABS/BRAKE lights were on. Being a Saturday, the only staff that was there was the oil & tire changers. A tech hooked up a scanner and read an open code at the front right. Yep, the side they worked on. I took the truck back on Monday for them to look at it. They replaced the ABS sensor at their cost since they thought it may have been damaged during the seal replacement. The lights remain on. Now, they are saying that the only way to solve the problem is to replace the hubs. I had a major front end over haul done just over 40,000 miles ago. An additional note, the U joint was trashed and it was replaced along with the seal. I asked how the hub/bearing looked and they said it looked ok. I don't mind fixing anything that needs to be fixed, I just don't want to throw money at it $500 - $1,000.00 at a time.
Any thoughts?

 

[JR]

Well the theory I think they are working with is that once a wheel bearing gets worn out to a certain point the abs sensor does not make contact with the tone wheel and an abs light illuminates. If the wheel bearing is bad enough it can actually danage the sensor, you could do a quick check and take the tire off on that side and pull the sensor and take a look at it. Also take a good look at the wiring and connections to the sensor.

Other indicators of a bad wheel bearing could be a humming or grinding noise while rolling down the road or uneven tire wear. I would ask them why they think it's bad now when they just had it all apart and thought it looked fine. At a minimum they should be giving you a substantial break on labor because they have already had it apart before and missed it if indeed it is bad.

 

[apat]

Thanks JR. I have no indications of a bad wheel bearing at this point. I will look into it further as you suggest.

Here's something I've noticed and it happens consistently. In the morning and at any point I start the truck, the ABS/BRAKE light will come on but then go out. Pretty normal. Once I get rolling at about 15 - 17 mph, the lights come on and stay on. Does anyone know what that may indicate? Also, something else that happens but with much less frequency is that the ABS light will stay off for several miles but when I apply the brakes, the ABS system is activated and will remain that way until the light goes out Not so normal.

 

[VolsFan]

I would suggest a shop looking at it that has the capability to run diagnostics on the abs system. I had issues with the abs/brake light after changing my rotors and ended up being both my front wheel sensors. I thought the shop I took it to knew what they were doing but after my truck being there for two weeks and every excuse in the book I realized I just paid for their education, $450 later to swap out two sensors. The code readers for the abs is really expensive and I have found that most shops don't understand how to properly diagnose the system. Good luck I know it's frustrating

 

[VolsFan]

Hi have you gotten your lights to go off? My ABS and brake light just came on the other day after being off for a good month and a half and getting hosed by a shop to get them that way! I have new front sensors, so I am going to get the rear sensor from napa today. I was backing up on of those little 5x8 trailers and the light came on and my phone rang all at the same time, wasn't paying attn and jackknifed the trailer cracking my drivers side flair!!! Could be worse just frustrating. The lights will go on and off on mine this time intermittent

 

[NIsaacs]

You might have air in the system from removing the brake assembly.

Nick

 

[VolsFan]

I have not got the sensor yet, but will probably try re-bleeding the brakes to rule the possibility of air out, thanks. After two months though of no abs light would it be likely for the lights to come on because of air in the system? My brakes are good and pedal is firm

 

[NIsaacs]

I have not got the sensor yet, but will probably try re-bleeding the brakes to rule the possibility of air out, thanks. After two months though of no abs light would it be likely for the lights to come on because of air in the system? My brakes are good and pedal is firm

Sorry, my response was for the OP. On yours, try standing on the brakes real hard, it might reset the light.

Nick

 

[apat]

No, everything is as I previously described. I haven't had time to deal with it. My job is taking me away from the city for a few weeks. In the past, I've found shops in the more rural areas are much easier to deal with. I'm going to keep an eye out for locals with Dodges and pick their brains about local shops.
If anyone out there lives or knows of any shops on the lower eastern shore of MD, please let me know and I'll check them out.

 

[johnmoore]

I got lucky with my ABS/Brake light issue. I don't drive the truck as much anymore since I bought my VW Passat diesel. Had the truck in for yearly inspection today and found out the problem was some critter had chewed through the rear ABS sensor wire.