Tips for fitting new front ABS sensors

EastPete · 9th September 2016, 18:55

I've stripped front hubs ready for the new wheel bearings to go in - I destroyed the old ABS sensors in the course of removal (par for the course, I assume - they were well rusted in place). After cleaning up the hubs, I got one of the new sensors out to see if it would slide into the hole in the hub - looks like it will be a very tight fit. Do members have any tips for fitting them (grease etc. ) and how do you force them into the holes without using brute force and possibly damaging them ?

Thanks in advance

Pete

Jakg · 9th September 2016, 19:14

You'll have a combination of the following:

ABS sensor bore will be a bit smaller due to the corrosion that's formed on it - I typically use a round file or sandpaper wrapped around a screwdriver to clean it.

The new sensors will probably be aftermarket and won't fit properly - I've had to take several 0.xmm off sensors in the past to make them fit (that is, to make them the same size as a genuine one).

They should be a snug fit so if you get the above spot on, you'll still need to use some lube to get them in - I usually cover the sensor and bore in WD40 equivalent (I know, not a lubricant, silicone spray probably better) but even then a tight fit.

EastPete · 9th September 2016, 19:27

Thanks Jack - how do you trim the sensors to take 0.xx mm off t?

Pete

Jakg · 9th September 2016, 20:07

Sorry I should've been clearer - it was the diameter that was an issue for me.

I used some sandpaper and just sanded down the tip a bit - there was some solid plastic extrusions that weren't actually part of the sensor but were getting in the way.

On the next one I used a Dremel to make it quicker.

hinged_bap · 9th September 2016, 21:19

if you've got one in the shed, a 15mm one of these works well to clean out the bore.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pipe-Debur...Zwima-2Ey1ydzw

EastPete · 10th September 2016, 14:20

I found a little wire wheel of the correct diameter that fitted on my Dremel, and ran that through the ABS hole in the hub - it got rid of all the rust and left a nice shiny inner bore - the genuine Rover sensor pushes in easily now, even without lubricant, and I reckon the aftermarket one will go in with a bit of silicone grease or similar. So, the key is to get the hole in the hub nice and clean and rust-free.

I still have to press in the new bearings before finally fitting the new sensors.

Pete

9th September 2016, 18:55	#1
EastPete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Classic saloon, MGB GT, Skoda Yeti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ramsey, Cambs Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 626 Thanked 635 Times in 430 Posts	Tips for fitting new front ABS sensors I've stripped front hubs ready for the new wheel bearings to go in - I destroyed the old ABS sensors in the course of removal (par for the course, I assume - they were well rusted in place). After cleaning up the hubs, I got one of the new sensors out to see if it would slide into the hole in the hub - looks like it will be a very tight fit. Do members have any tips for fitting them (grease etc. ) and how do you force them into the holes without using brute force and possibly damaging them ? Thanks in advance Pete

9th September 2016, 19:14	#2
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	You'll have a combination of the following: ABS sensor bore will be a bit smaller due to the corrosion that's formed on it - I typically use a round file or sandpaper wrapped around a screwdriver to clean it. The new sensors will probably be aftermarket and won't fit properly - I've had to take several 0.xmm off sensors in the past to make them fit (that is, to make them the same size as a genuine one). They should be a snug fit so if you get the above spot on, you'll still need to use some lube to get them in - I usually cover the sensor and bore in WD40 equivalent (I know, not a lubricant, silicone spray probably better) but even then a tight fit.

9th September 2016, 19:27	#3
EastPete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Classic saloon, MGB GT, Skoda Yeti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ramsey, Cambs Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 626 Thanked 635 Times in 430 Posts	Thanks Jack - how do you trim the sensors to take 0.xx mm off t? Pete

9th September 2016, 20:07	#4
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	Sorry I should've been clearer - it was the diameter that was an issue for me. I used some sandpaper and just sanded down the tip a bit - there was some solid plastic extrusions that weren't actually part of the sensor but were getting in the way. On the next one I used a Dremel to make it quicker.

9th September 2016, 21:19	#5
hinged_bap Gets stuck in 75 CDT Conn SE Auto saloon Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Southampton Posts: 773 Thanks: 134 Thanked 104 Times in 81 Posts	if you've got one in the shed, a 15mm one of these works well to clean out the bore. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pipe-Debur...Zwima-2Ey1ydzw

10th September 2016, 14:20	#6
EastPete Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Classic saloon, MGB GT, Skoda Yeti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ramsey, Cambs Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 626 Thanked 635 Times in 430 Posts	I found a little wire wheel of the correct diameter that fitted on my Dremel, and ran that through the ABS hole in the hub - it got rid of all the rust and left a nice shiny inner bore - the genuine Rover sensor pushes in easily now, even without lubricant, and I reckon the aftermarket one will go in with a bit of silicone grease or similar. So, the key is to get the hole in the hub nice and clean and rust-free. I still have to press in the new bearings before finally fitting the new sensors. Pete