| Preparing to Clean Your ABS Sensors | | | | the side that you are may be working on. So, if you |
| When your ABS light comes on, one of several things | | | | are on the driver side of the vehicle, then you want |
| could be the reason. Some are minor; some not so | | | | to turn the wheel all the way toward the passenger |
| minor. Either way, you should always pay attention to | | | | side. If you are working on the on the passenger |
| it. | | | | side of the vehicle, then you want to turn the wheel |
| One example of something considered minor might | | | | all the way so that it is facing toward the |
| be dirt on the sensor. Even something as small as this | | | | passenger's side. |
| may cause your system to turn on the ABS light | | | | Removing ABS Wheel Sensors |
| during evaluation. Road dirt and grime can easily build | | | | Next, find your ABS wheel sensor on the side you're |
| up on the sensor so this can happen often depending | | | | working on. Remove all the bolts that keep it |
| on driving frequency. But don't wait for your ABS | | | | attached to the suspension. There may be more |
| sensor light to come on before you get around to | | | | bolts that need to be removed other than the ones |
| cleaning it. By all means, clean it regularly. | | | | that attach the ABS sensor to the suspension. These |
| The best time to do this is when you are replacing | | | | other bolts may be to be removed to pull the ABS |
| brake pads because the wheels of the vehicle will | | | | sensor into a position where it can be cleaned. Check |
| already be off. Here are a few things you will need in | | | | to see if there are more bolts. Do not force out the |
| preparation for cleaning your ABS sensors. Once you | | | | sensor but remove all bolts carefully. You may need |
| gather your materials, you'll be ready to perform the | | | | to follow the ABS sensor line to get to the rest of |
| task. | | | | these bolts. |
| - Jack & Jack stands | | | | Cleaning ABS Sensors |
| - A heavy woven or durable rag | | | | Now that this sensor is free, use that strong rag and |
| - Ratchet wrench and sockets | | | | wipe the sensor clean. It is recommended that mild |
| - Ratchet extension | | | | soap and water can be used here if necessary, |
| Note: The jack stands mentioned above are | | | | otherwise no chemicals should be used as it can lead |
| extremely important to use when doing this. Never | | | | to problems. Refit the ABS sensor the same way it |
| go under a car with a car jack alone! | | | | was removed. |
| Remove The Wheel (Support With Jack Stands) | | | | Just repeat the process for the other side and you're |
| Start to loosen the wheel lugs. When lugs are | | | | done. |
| loosened sufficiently (not all the way), jack up the | | | | Note: There may be approved jacks that can be |
| front end of your vehicle and rest it on jack stands. | | | | used for this type of job but it is always strongly |
| This will make it safer to work under your vehicle as | | | | recommended to use jack stands. Auto repair shops |
| opposed to using the jack alone. | | | | have industrial equipment that allow autoworkers or |
| Now, with your vehicle safely raised, with the car | | | | mechanics to reach car parts a lot easier. However, |
| safely supported, you can remove all the wheel lugs | | | | for those "do-it-yourselfers", never do this without |
| and take the front wheels off completely. | | | | jack stands. |
| Now that the wheel is off the vehicle, turn your | | | | Remember: Safety first. |
| steering wheel until it is all the way in facing opposite | | | | |