ABS Problems on my 93

[Lifted78]

I've tried reading everything I can in this forum about ABS, but it seems most of it is geared to pre-93 RABS systems.

Anyway, here is my problem: My ABS is on solid now and I need to know how to diagnose the problem.

Here's what I've done so far:

I've pulled the sensor from the rear diff and cleaned it. It looks like a metal can and wasn't that dirty. I pulled the plug off it and made sure to clean the contacts.

I unplugged each of the front two sensors and made sure they were plugged in good.

I checked the brake fluid level, it was full.

I checked all three fuses and they were all good.

I did not remove the front sensors because I don't know how they come out. I removed the 10mm bolt on the back of the hub, but the sensor did not come out. Do you have to pry it out?

Also, under the hood there is a red box on the drivers side inner fender marked Anti Lock Test. Is there a test I can run on this?

I have the basic tools; volt-ohm meter, etc. Just missing the instructions to test everything!

Thanks in advance!

John

 

[410Fortune]

JOhn you can self diagnose the ABS system.
I forget how but it has been discussed here several times.

The wheel sensors on the front can be a PITA to get out.
There are two small bolts from the back and then its still a tight fit, best if pushed out from behind the wheel.

If the light is on the ABS system is holding a diagnostic code, so it needs to be pulled from the computer.

Do you have any repair manuals for your truck?

 

[Lifted78]

I just need a link to a thread that tells me how to test it and get the code so I know where to begin.

I've tried to use the search to get me what I need, but so far I've not found what I'm looking for.

I guess tomorrow I'll try pulling the front two sensors out to clean them. I can pull the rotors too if need be, but I want to do this easiest to hardest. Nothing like double-wrenching yourself!

And as to the manual, no. I need to get a good one I guess. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

John

 

[nserafini]

Going from memory, the manuals suggest not messing with the vehicles HCU for ABS systems.

Have you bleed the brakes recently ? Perhaps the unit has air in it. In that case, I've been told only a high priced machine can bleed the system ....

 

[Lifted78]

No, I haven't had to bleed them in a while. If memory serves me, this happened about a week after I had the Ford garage put in new lower ball joints. I suspect that they damaged one of the sensors in the process.

I've just spent about an hour taking apart the front hubs and had to drive the old sensors out. Talk about rusted in! I've got the front all put back together and am heading over to pick up the new sensors. I'll keep everyone posted as to how this turns out today.

Thanks for the suggestion.

John

 

[Lifted78]

ABS Problem solved!

I tore the hubs off the truck and pounded out the old ABS sensors in the front. The local ford dealership had a pair of sensors, and that cured the ABS light problem.

A quick test on the ice and my ABS worked!

Now, for those looking to do this at home:

1. Be prepared to completely disassemble the front hubs so you can drive the old sensor out. If yours are original equipment like mine were, guaranteed they are rusted in. I used a big hammer to drive the sensor out from the rotor side. Then, I used a 12" 1/2" drive extension and finished the removal.

2. Once the sensors are out, you can put the rotors back together in the reverse order, and make sure you get the bearings seated according to specs. (not covered in this FAQ)

3. Get yourself a 1/2" round stiff wire brush that you can chuck up in your cordless drill. Run that in the sensor hole from the inside to clean out all the rust and crap. The new sensor is a tight fit and will go in if the hole is clean.

4. Tap the sensor into position with a small hammer. Make sure you rotate it so the bolt pin goes in and you can tighten the hold-down bolt.

5. Remove the old wire loom with side cutters.

6. Attach the new loom where the old one was. I used black zip strips where appropriate.

7. Plug the new sensors in and you should be good to go.

Cheers!

John

 

[TDG]

Good Info

I had a similiar problem with my 93 a few years ago. I wound up pulling the fuse and custom cutting a piece of black tape to cover the ABS light. It's ghetto but I live in a nice dry part of the country and have yet to find a good use for ABS.

-T