!#$$# ABS sensor bolt

[Rhett]

I have my 94 4WD Sport up on jackstands right now, pass side front hub, rotor, bearings all removed.

I'm trying to remove the front axle shaft.

In order to do that, I need to pull the spindle retainer. I got the 5 spindle nuts off no problem. The only problem is that there is an ABS sensor on the side of the retainer that prevents me from pulling it off. The sensor is held in place by 2 bolts. One of them I have removed. But the other one (a very small 12 point bolt) seems to be stuck or rounded.

A 1/4" 12pt socket is not working. 7/32" socket is too small. I hit it with PB Blaster. My previous vehicles of this type (Ranger, Bronco II) did not have front ABS and did not have this sensor to mess with. If I was working on them I'd be done by now!! I should ditch ABS like some of you have done.

Should I drill it out? What size socket is needed for that little bolt?

 

[Alec]

I believe mine was 8mm. If it's rounded you'll need to drill or cut it out.

 

[Rhett]

Thank you for the timely reply. The big bolt is indeed 8mm, and I got it off easily. It's the smaller bolt that I have a problem with.

On my 94 there is another smaller 12 point bolt below the 8 mm bolt. It's 1/4" (or it's metric equivalent). At any rate a 12 point 1/4" socket isn't working. If I drill it out, I don't have a replacement bolt...

 

[Rhett]

I'm going to put the rotor and hub back on. When I figure out how to get that little ABS bolt off I'll tear it down again--but not until I figure it out.

I don't think it's rounded. I think it requires some kind of specialized socket. It's 12 point but I don't think simply being metric would make a difference. 1/4" seems a little too large but 7/32 is too small. (!!) I must have the proper tools, then I can do any job. If any of you know what socket for the front ABS sensor post here sometime. As far as I know, the ABS sensor design is the same from its inception (1993 models) to present, so if you own a 2nd gen and have done this, chime in.

 

[travish_1]

I had the same problem. I had to run all over looking for something that would fit that stupid ass bolt. I believe I ended up finding it at sears. Hopefully you don't have to put in 2 new abs cables like I did, that one hurt the pocket book. Good luck man!

 

[Rhett]

What did you ask for at Sears? I bought a 12 point socket set (english) with 3/32" thru 5/16" and none of them fit. Did you get a metric set? Or is it some special socket found only in their catalog?

 

[Josh S.]

I ended up grinding the damn thing off and dithchin the ABS. I got it on and off a couple times using ona those small sockets you mentioned, but after a few times, it wouldn't work any more. I just angle-grinded down the face of the block thing that that bolt holds in place, then it fell right off!

 

[dmaster79]

Just had my axle out like 2 days ago, had to replace those stupid U-joints. The small bolt your speaking of is a 12point, however in most cases they get rounded. To get mine off I simply took the closest, tightest fitting socket and drove it onto the head, a little torque and it came right out. Now whether this is the best solution I don't know, but it worked for me, both taking it out and well the socket was still stuck so putting it on was nothing. I think the hardest part was figuring out that there was even a stupid bolt back there, which you've already discovered!!

 

[Rhett]

Thanks dmaster79. You cleared it up, the bolt must be rounded on my truck. I have an idea; I think I will remove the small 12 point bolt and just rely on the larger 8mm bolt to hold the ABS sensor in place. That should work, shouldn't it? Too bad I broke off the 8mm bolt. I'll have to get a new one either in the junkyard or match one at the hardware store.

 

[ohe_boy]

I also needed to remove my axle shafts and needed to remove that small bolt. It appears to be a 6mm 12 pt.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Mine was rounded. I just found the closest fitting socket (I used a cheap on from china) and pounded it on there with a hammer. Bolt came right out. I then just removed my front ABS sensors and disconnected the wires.

ABS is no fun when going down a very steep hill!

 

[Creager]

now im sure i have RABS

 

[Rhett]

!%#!%# front ABS sensor housing

I finally did get it outta there...and am now running new bolts...but I will probably end up removing the ABS system entirely in the future. ABS sensor was one of the hardest jobs I have done on my truck. I had to drill and tap for new bolts and the whole 9 yards.