Explore the Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement Cost

Learn about the wheel speed sensor replacement cost and what factors can affect it. Ensure your vehicle’s ABS remains reliable with this essential repair. Regarding your vehicle’s safety, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) plays a crucial role as a secondary defense mechanism. Its primary function is to prevent your brakes from locking up, ensuring you maintain control during sudden stops or on slippery surfaces. At the heart of this system are the ABS sensors, commonly called wheel speed sensors. These components are vital in determining when the ABS should activate, making them essential for your car’s safety.

In everyday driving, it’s rare for an ABS sensor to fail. However, they are not immune to issues. Corrosion, damage to the wiring, or faults in the sensor itself can occur, leading to inaccurate readings or no readings at all. When this happens, replacing the faulty sensor becomes necessary to maintain your vehicle’s braking efficiency and safety.

Understanding the wheel speed sensor replacement cost can help you budget for this essential repair, ensuring your car continues to perform optimally in all driving conditions.

What is an ABS/Wheel speed sensor?

An ABS/Wheel speed sensor is an electrical component that measures the rotation of a wheel. Cars with anti-lock brakes usually have these sensors on every wheel, either built into the wheel hub assembly or attached to the steering knuckle. The sensor uses a magnetic pickup to determine the position of a rotating trigger wheel.

Each ABS sensor monitors its wheel’s speed, sending the data to a central ABS module. This module compares the readings from all sensors and the vehicle speed in real time to decide if the ABS should activate. If one sensor provides inconsistent information or stops working, it will need to be replaced.

What is the wheel speed sensor replacement cost?

When considering the wheel speed sensor replacement cost, you should know that these sensors typically last for at least 100,000 km before needing replacement. The average price for installing a new ABS sensor starts at around $375 and can go well above $600, depending on your car’s make and model.

Cars driven in dusty areas or coastal regions with salty air might experience sensor problems more frequently, leading to earlier replacements. Understanding these costs can help you budget for this important repair and maintain your vehicle’s safety features.

Symptoms Your ABS/Wheel Speed Sensor Needs to be Replaced

Here are warning signs that you might need to replace or inspect your ABS/Wheel speed sensor:

• The ABS warning light is on
• ABS brakes activate unexpectedly
• Brakes lock up during hard braking
• Traction Control warning light may also illuminate

Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel speed sensor

In my experience, brakes are one of the most critical components for motor safety, and this includes the ABS/Wheel speed sensor. I’ve learned that driving with faulty wheel speed sensors can be very dangerous. If your braking performance is compromised, you’re at risk of inadequate operation and unsafe driving conditions.

The car’s ECU relies on accurate information from the ABS/Wheel speed sensors to determine the necessary stopping power and sensitivity for various conditions, whether it’s rain, dry, sleet, ice, or snow. Without proper sensor readings, your braking system can’t function correctly, which puts you at serious risk.

How to Replace an ABS/Wheel Speed Sensor

• The technician runs a diagnostic test on the ABS
• The car is lifted, and the affected wheel is removed
• The ABS sensor wiring connector is unfastened and inspected for damage
• The ABS sensor is unbolted from the wheel knuckle. Often, the ABS sensor is integrated into the wheel hub, requiring the hub to be replaced as an assembly
• The new ABS sensor is installed and secured
• The wheel is reinstalled, and the car is lowered
• The technician clears any related ABS codes and performs a road test to confirm the repair

Does an ABS Sensor Need to Be Programmed After Replacement

Whether an ABS/Wheel speed sensor needs programming after replacement depends on the type of sensor. Some wheel speed sensors come pre-programmed and can be installed directly. However, sensors connected to the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) need to be programmed to ensure they sync correctly with your car’s computer according to the vehicle’s specifications.

To ensure proper installation and programming, I recommend consulting a certified mechanic or visiting a car repair dealer for an ABS/Wheel speed sensor replacement.

Conclusion

Knowing what wheel speed sensor replacement involves is essential. This knowledge helps you maintain your vehicle’s safety and performance. Properly functioning sensors ensure your brakes work correctly. Regular checks and timely replacements can prevent accidents. Always consult a certified mechanic for this important repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drive with a broken wheel speed sensor?

Is It Safe To Drive With a Bad Wheel Speed Sensor? While you can still drive your vehicle even if your wheel speed sensor isn’t working, it isn’t a good idea to do so. The ABS is an important safety feature in your vehicle, and it can’t function if your wheel speed sensors aren’t working.

What happens when a wheel speed sensor goes bad?

If the wheel speed sensor fails, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) will not be able to read the speed of the wheels, causing the wheels to lock up during braking. Additionally, the speedometer may be disabled since it is not receiving information from the speed sensors.

What causes wheel sensors to fail?

Some of the problems that can arise and cause damage to the sensors include Excessive bearing end play. Corrosion affects the air gap spacing and weakens the sensor’s signal strength. Road debris blocks the sensor, rendering it inoperative or causing mechanical damage.

How to test a bad wheel speed sensor?

Set the multimeter to ohms. Measure the resistance. It should be minimal. If the meter indicates an open condition (very high resistance) or a short one, the sensor is bad.

Can you replace an ABS sensor yourself?

Yes, most are held in place by a single bolt. You usually find them on the inside of the wheel hubs, often in conjunction with a slotted or castellated ring around the drive shaft or around the bearing housing. There are wires going to them so if you follow any wires going to the back of the hub it’ll most likely be for the sensor. Just unbolt, pull it out of its slot and replace.

READ MORE:

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Throttle Body Sensor
Cost to Replace a Crankshaft Sensor
How to Fix Ford Edge Tire Pressure Sensor Fault