ABS brake sensor

COSMAS

MEMBER
1996 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

New Dorman ABS sensor rubbing slightly on tone ring on new hub. What should the clearance be?

Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 5:05 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

There really isn't a specific air gap that is provided. The sensor length is what determines that. What is the part number of the sensor they gave you?

Also, I attached a pic below. Does this look like the design you have?

Let me know.

Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2021 AT 10:09 PM

COSMAS

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4 POSTS

Yes, it looks like the pic. Part # Dorman 970015

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 5:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

That is the correct part for the right front. I cross-referenced it. Is that where it is on your vehicle? (Passenger's side front)?

As far as touching, there is a chance the tone ring or hub bearing has moved or has play. Was the old sensor just bad, or what led you to replace it?

Joe

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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 7:27 PM

COSMAS

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4 POSTS

Yesterday I measured the clearance while rotating the axle. At one point it pinched a 0.004 feeler gauge, so I shimmed the sensor out about.004-.006 more with several layers of aluminum foil. I hope it works, not knowing the correct clearance. I had already installed a new CV half shaft, hub, and bearing, because of age and noise when accelerating while turning, and the ABS sensor wire insulation was crumbling too, which is why I replaced that. Thank you for your time. (Is there an industry average clearance for these sensors?)

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Thursday, July 15th, 2021 AT 3:45 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

There really isn't an industry standard. However, it needs to be close to produce a reliable and strong signal.

I'm a bit confused about something. You indicated that a.004 feel gauge touched certain points. The tone ring should run true, so if it hits a.004 gauge, it should hit at all points of the tone ring. Is that happening?

Now, some sensors can be adjusted when installed. However, this one isn't. IF you look at the attachment below, you'll see what I have in my manual. When no adjustment is provided, there isn't a procedure for adjustment.

One other question. Have you physically compared the old and new sensor lengths to see if they are the same?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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