Defective ABS sensor (wheel speed sensor): all information!

Recently updated on January 27, 2022 at 10:19 am

The anti-lock braking system (ASB) verhindertthat the wheels will lock during emergency braking and that the car will continue to do so even when braking can be steered. The ABS also shortens the braking distance. A central component of the ABS are the ABS sensors, the many also known under the term “Wheel speed sensors" are known. A sensor is usually installed per wheel, which records the speed of the respective wheel and forwards it to the ABS control unit. In this way, the ABS is signaled in which situations intervention is required. Incidentally, there used to be no anti-lock braking system, which meant that the vehicle could no longer be steered when braking. This significantly increased the risk of accidents. The anti-lock braking system makes you forget about these problems. If the ABS control unit notices that a wheel is locking, the braking process at the wheel is briefly stopped again and again. In order to increases safety and braking distance sinks. The ABS system is also the basis for other stability programs such as the electronic stability program ESP. Incidentally, a distinction is made between active "Hall sensors" and passive "inductive speed sensors". Both variants are intended to permanently record the speed of the individual wheels and send it to the control unit. In contrast to the so-called passive "inductive speed sensors", the active "Hall sensors" can precisely record the wheel speed even at extremely low speeds. However, they require their own power supply.

How to recognize a defective ABS sensor?

1. by lighting up the ABS lamp in the instrument cluster
2. through intervention by the ABS even during normal braking processes - there is an unusual jerking and vibration of the brake pedal
3. an error memory entry such as "Wheel speed sensor XX signal implausible"
4. by the ESP lamp lighting up in the instrument cluster

What can be the causes of a defective ABS sensor?

On the one hand, a defect in the ABS sensor is often caused by age wear triggered. On the other hand, problems with the Contact at the connector or Rust formation on the sensor ring ensure that there are deficits in the functioning of the ABS sensor.

Can you continue driving with a defective ABS sensor?

• As soon as the first signs of damage to the ABS can be seen, it can vital to visit the nearest workshop immediately. By acting quickly and carefully, dangerous situations and emergency braking can be avoided in this situation.  Keyword: anticipatory driving! The ABS malfunction poses an extreme hazard not only for the driver himself, but also for other road users.

Is it possible to have the general inspection carried out despite a defective ABS sensor?

• The main inspection will not be passed if the ABS sensor is defective. The problem is classified as a "serious deficiency".

What other malfunctions can a defective ABS sensor resemble?

• In extreme cases, it can also be a big one wheel bearing play appear as the cause of an implausible ABS sensor signal. Another possible trigger for the symptoms mentioned above is damage to the ABS ring.

Is it enough to repair the ABS sensor or does it always have to be replaced?

• First it is necessary to Fault memory read out. Because in this way it can be determined which ABS sensor is defective. It must then be checked whether a repair is possible or whether the broken sensor must be replaced with a new part. If it is only a broken cable, a repair may be sufficient. Otherwise there must be a sensor defect discord be replaced with a new part. In this case, used car spare parts are not a sensible and safe option. Because the wear and tear on the inside is not visible with such components. In addition, the acquisition costs for a new part are kept within limits.

How does the exchange work work?

After the car has been driven onto the lifting platform, the wheel with the defective sensor can be removed. Now the old ABS sensor including the holder is unscrewed, removed and replaced with a new part. Sometimes the wheel arch liner must also be dismantled in order to reach the sensor cable. Sometimes it is difficult to loosen the sensor itself or the screw that fastens the sensor to the steering knuckle. In this case, drilling out often cannot be avoided. A repair should be made for safety reasons only be carried out by a specialist workshop, since the work not only requires the appropriate specialist knowledge, but also special tools and a diagnostic tester.

What are the costs of changing the ABS sensor?

The total cost of replacing a faulty ABS sensor depends on the specific vehicle. Typically, the cost of a single ABS sensor varies by vehicle and parts manufacturer 15 to 100 euros. If the sensor is integrated in the wheel bearing, as is the case with some French manufacturers, the material costs can be around 70 to 200 euros be. Well-known spare parts manufacturers are Bosch, ATE and Delphi. The exchange usually takes no longer than half an hour to an hour and a half. If you assume an hourly rate of 100 euros, you have to reckon with labor costs of 50 to 150 euros. This results in total costs of between 70 and 330 euros. Interesting to know: If, according to the diagnosis, only a single ABS sensor is defective, you must not all ABS sensors are replaced at the same time.

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