ABS problem is hurting my brain

[slovcan]

Hi folks,

Well, what I thought was a routine ABS sensor failure is not. When I bought the car the ABS warning light would come on sometimes when the car was started. and always go away after the second start of the day. Then it would stay gone.

As time went on the light would stay on every morning until the restart after driving for a few minutes. Then it progressed to having to drive further before the restart. Finally, it got to the point it is at now - the light just stays on.

When the light is on the cruise control doesn't work. That points to the left front sensor failure or wiring problem. Braking stays normal and feels smooth. You'd never say anything was wrong apart from the warning light. Of course, I'm sure the ABS wouldn't function.

The last time I was the in Slovakia I had the left front sensor changed and the hub cleaned up. It wasn't bad at all. BUT, the new sensor caused immediate roughness and noise when braking normally. We put the original sensor back in and normal, quiet, smooth braking resumed - undoubtedly without functioning ABS. This was the fall of 2019.

My friend just had the new BEBI-Bilstein Made in Germany sensor installed today. The warning light still stays on. That's an MOT fail. He will ask them to drive the car out in their parking lot tomorrow to see if braking feels normal with this new sensor or not. They also cleaned all 4 hubs.

So, now I am at a loss. Can someone advise the next step, please?

Thank you,
Glenn

[vitesse]

I'd just run Toaf and see if it agrees with your left front suspicions. Then either change sensor or bearing, or both. Some sensors are better than others, some require bits shaved off them to move the sensors closer to the bearing's magnetic strip. I know DMGRS have original rear sensors (ordered a couple as can't get better than original), someone might be able to advise on good front sensors.

Good luck

PS. Link to Best of British, says they are MG/Rover sensors: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265017968...QAAOSwcCdgBXOW

[slovcan]

Originally Posted by vitesse

I'd just run Toaf and see if it agrees with your left front suspicions. Then either change sensor or bearing, or both. Some sensors are better than others, some require bits shaved off them to move the sensors closer to the bearing's magnetic strip. I know DMGRS have original rear sensors (ordered a couple as can't get better than original), someone might be able to advise on good front sensors.

Good luck

PS. Link to Best of British, says they are MG/Rover sensors: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265017968...QAAOSwcCdgBXOW

Thank you, Mike. We will see what happens in the morning.

Glenn

[slovcan]

Well, small update. They put a scan tool on it and saw a fault of a broken wire or no contact. Now, this is a translation, but I know what they mean. I have to give him a call to see if the tool identified a location.

BUT, he changed the 10A fuse and the warning light went off. There will have to be more investigation. The fuse is obviously not the cause of the ongoing and worsening problem. I suppose it is possible there was an unintended momentary short while taking it apart or putting it together yesterday that blew the fuse.

Cheers,
Glenn

[COLVERT]

You say that the anti-lock system doesn't work.--Have you tried braking hard at a low speed on a loose gravel surface to test it ???---Or, because of the light, you just assume the system isn't working.----

[vitesse]

I believe the voltages used by the sensors are very low, and I have trouble seeing that the fuse has blown because of taking things apart and putting them back together, though I could be wrong. Have you checked the condition of the ABS plug?

Keep well