03 XLS ABS Light and Squeal

[2Fish]

I have had my 03 XLS for roughly six months and 22,000 problem free miles. Today on the way to work there was a squeal under the vehicle almost like a loose belt and the ABS light came on and stayed on.

It had made the squealing noise about a week ago (no light) when the roads were heavily snow covered. This morning was dry. I will have any codes retreived tomorrow, just wondering if anyone has a notion about this. Vehicle now has 83,x.. miles. Thanks in advance.

 

[Donner]

81,x.. miles and the abs light came on a couple days back. It comes on after less than 10 minutes drive time. Squeal in brakes too, but only slightly heard in reverse only... I got a new rear abs sensor, but not installed yet. I had mine read for codes, no codes showing.

 

[2Fish]

Just an update if it means anything. I drove to lunch today and the squeal was prominent going to lunch at speeds above 25. On the way back the squeal was gone, ABS light still constant. Brakes and rotors were replaced since I've had the vehcile, the only recent service is 4 new Michelins about 3 weeks ago.

 

[Donner]

Ah ha! I just had 4 new tires put on last month... I'm gonna run down the street and have that sensor installed. (I have an appointment for tonight to have the brakes examined, but interesting timing with the tires.)

 

[Donner]

So far it's okay, but we only changed the rear sensor. If it goes out today, it goes to Ford on Monday.

 

[2Fish]

I had the code retrieved today . . . Left front wheel speed sensor missing. I picked up a wheel bearing assembly this afternoon and will install it this evening. This should fix the noise and light, it could certainly be worse.

 

[Donner]

Yes, it could. My light now goes on and off randomly. I still have no codes. Let me know how it goes...

 

[2Fish]

Wheel bearing assembly installed. There is a writeup on this site that was quite helpful. My air ratchet didn't have enough torque to remove the 3 difficult bolts, I came up with my own method.

The new kit came with new hardware so I simply backed the 3 tough bolts out just enough to fit a hacksaw blade behind the bearing assemby and cut about half way through them. One half turn of the ratchet and they snapped and were out. Simple enough. Took me about 90 minutes including test drive and cleanup.

Light is off, squeal is gone and it is definately quieter. Apparantly it was growling before and I didn't notice.

 

[2Fish]

I still have no codes.

If you have a light you should have a stored code. Not all scanners read ABS codes, the Autozone method lacks specifics. We have an exhaust and brake chain called Muffler Man, they have very nice diagnostic equipment. Muffler Man charges me $10 to retrieve codes and deducts if from the bill if I have the work done there. I cannot justify paying the dealers diagnostic fee. Good luck.

 

[Donner]

Ah... I heard the growl on mine, thought it was something else. Well, alright then! At least it's not a major expense... good deal!