FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Wheel Speed Sensor: Testing and Inspection

Tone wheels can cause erratic wheel speed sensor signals. Inspect tone wheels for the following possible causes:
^ missing, chipped, or broken teeth
^ contact with the wheel speed sensor.
^ wheel speed sensor to tone wheel alignment.
^ wheel speed sensor to tone wheel clearance.
^ excessive tone wheel runout.
^ tone wheel loose on its mounting surface.

If a front tone wheel is found to need replacement, the drive shaft must be replaced. No attempt should be made to replace just the tone wheel.

If a rear tone wheel is found to need replacement, the rear hub and bearing must be replaced. No attempt should be made to replace just the tone wheel.

If wheel speed sensor to tone wheel contact is evident, determine the cause and correct it before replacing the wheel speed sensor or tone wheel.

Check the gap between the speed sensor head and the tone wheel to ensure it is within specifications.

- Front Wheel Speed Sensor
Minimum Clearance: 0.007 in
Maximium Clearance: 0.072 in

- Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
Minimum Clearance: 0.015 in
Maximium Clearance: 0.059 in

Excessive wheel speed sensor runout can cause erratic wheel speed sensor signals. Maximum allowed tone wheel runout is 0.009 inch. If tone wheel runout is excessive, determine if it is caused by a defect in the driveshaft assembly or hub and bearing. Replace as necessary.

Tone wheels are pressed onto their mounting surfaces and should not rotate independently from the mounting surface. Replacement of the front driveshaft or rear hub and bearing is necessary.