Tomorrow when my rotors come in im going to replace the front rotors and pads. ive posted a few times about how my brakes were acting funny, figured id do it right by replacing rotors too. i had posted before how the abs wants to kick in at slow speeds (pedal shudder) and that they seem to stick. well now they will lock up at will if you hit the pedal hard enough, did it at 30mph yesterday. Im hoping since the truck came out of new york and is now 3 years old that the ABS sensors just need to be cleaned. Are they (sensors) easy to spot when the rotors come off? What do i need to clean them with? I got some brake cleaner for when i get it disassembled, do i need anything else?

My truck had both hall effect wheel speed sensors replaced at 75K for a similar issue.

The abs sensors are plugged in somewhere on your steering knuckle. Not sure exactly where on our trucks. I haven't looked for them, but it will just look like a small wire plugging in somewhere. They are coated in a dielectric grease. If this dries out, they will not function properly. They are easy to remove. Also, I don't know how many miles you have on your truck, but if you're up around 90-100k, I would probably get a caliper rebuild kit and do that while you have it apart along with a fluid change.

thanks guys, im over 75K probably will have to replace but will just try to clean for now.

Just FYI, the sensors are not expensive if you have to replace them. Only about $15 apiece.

thanks timberwolf

Originally posted by: Timberwolf530

Just FYI, the sensors are not expensive if you have to replace them. Only about $15 apiece.



Where on earth did you get those prices? My local parts guys tell me they are a dealer item. My local dealer quoted me $137.50 EACH! One of mine is on the way out. If I could get them for $15 each, then I'd change both right away.


'02 GMC SLT D/A CC 4x4

I stand corrected, thanks ac. The part I was looking at was just a connector. Oops, my bad.

Make sure there is no play in the front hubs. When you have your front end in the air, grab the top and bottom of your tire and try to move it back and forth. If there is play in the hub assembly, then it needs to be replaced. This could also cause an erratic wheel speed signal, causing the abs system to mess up on you. It is fairly common on 1/2 tons and I've seen it a few time on 3/4 and 1 tons also. The wheel speed sensor is mounted to the hub (a sealed assembly full of grease), so it is unlikly it is dirty.

Rttoys - apparently the sensors getting dirty is pretty common, ive see a lot of posts about it on the 02's