ABS sensor warning light on my 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ came on recently. Had a Jeep shop do a diagnostic and codes hinted at a bad left rear wheel sensor. OK, sounded like something I could do after researching and finding that RockAuto has the entire sensor needed ( around $85 ). My 2000 Jeep Cherokee pdf service manual describes in general terms how to take out and install a new one but decided to double check the existing sensor cable connections and take wheel off to look at existing sensor to be sure nothing had come lose or if I could clean the existing sensor. I also looked hard for ANY YouTube vids on how-to’s. Specifically since I am dealing with a drum brake rear wheel. Nada, nothing.
Attaching a grab shot of sensor. Looks pretty nasty and without taking axle shaft out ( no way ) looks pretty tight to take out.
All the cable and and connections look solid.
Haven't ordered the new sensor yet. Do you guys and girls think it’s worth trying to remove and clean the old sensor? Worried about replacing with proper gap. Not sure how I could get anything in there to create the proper gap even if I had the proper tool! Also manual talks about a specific torque required in tightening bolt!
Anyone dealt with this specific issue? #1 cleaning such a sensor? #2 replacing it? Suggestions? Threads? Vids?
Disconnect the sensor from the harness and check the connection for dirt or corrosion. Clean as needed with electrical cleaner and let it dry. For the sensor itself, you might be able to get back there with a q-tip soaked in brake cleaner, but it will much easier to clean with the shoes off. That way you know for sure you got the entire sensor. Clean the tone ring as well.
OK, guess this is my duh huh moment. I think I had a mind block cause I didn’t think I would have to deal with those drum brakes! Oh well. At least I recently replaced most of the stuff so not like dealing with it the first time.
I did spray some some brake cleaner around the sensor and will drive and see if any help. Doubt it. Next up will be ordering the sensor. May first try and just switch out the new sensor with old before pulling the entire cable out. Cable looks fine and connections look good.
