E53 ABS/DSC Sensor/Bearing Issue

[Rockabilly Rebel]

Hi guys,
would need a bit of help here please. '05 X5 E53 4.4L.
A few weeks ago, the steering started shaking when I'd brake at around 50-60 mph. I changed the left thrust arm and ball joint (because they seemed looser). Test drive showed improved performance but still some shaking, so I went ahead and changed the same on the right side....


The *$&@!!!! CV axle was jammed in there stupid-stuck, I had to knock at it like a Spartan for hours. When I finally got it outta there, the tip was unusable. (no shit?) So I replaced it also. When I got it all back together, the shaking was gone but now I get a trifecta light show (ABS, warning, 4X4) with the DSC inactive. The way it happens is when I turn on the ignition the lights stay off but when I drive away, after about 15-20 feet the trifecta comes back on.

Scanner registers issue with front right sensor. So today, I took the assembly apart and blasted compressed air in and around the ABS sensor to clean it up. Now the trifecta comes back on after say 250 feet of driving.

The sensor registers the wheel speed at the same speed as the 3 others (checked with Foxwell NT510). Also, the scanner states that there is no DSC signal at the transfer case.????

Can the ABS sensor be bad but still register wheel speed? Or bearing mechanism? Or should I look elsewhere?
Thanks in advance guys, take care!

[davewlee]

Check the front Right height Sensor

[andrewwynn]

Abs sensors are stupid sensitive I've had some rusty film be enough to through them off. You could swap left and right to see if the error moves.


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[Rockabilly Rebel]

Originally Posted by davewlee

Check the front Right height Sensor

With the scanner? Or physically? Or both? I did remove it when I did the CV axle job. Who knows?

[Rockabilly Rebel]

[QUOTE=andrewwynn;1139717]Abs sensors are stupid sensitive I've had some rusty film be enough to through them off. You could swap left and right to see if the error moves.

See, I envy you guys who live outside the rustbelt.... For us, trying to swap is essentially buying 2 new ones. I have a 0 for 12 track record with ABS removal. It reminds me of my high school report card.

[andrewwynn]

I'm in WI. I broke the head off one of the bolts that holds my abs sensor. It's now held in place with Teflon tape making it snug. I first installed before winter and it stayed snug all winter without the tape but when spring came it would move an invisible amount and defeat my ABS or worse, actually engage abs at every stop until I finally wrapped it with Teflon and press-fit it back in. It shouldn't be too hard to remove once the screw is removed but dont be to surprised if Teflon is in your future.


Take your time with the sensors you need to get some penetrant in there and take your time getting them to start moving. If they've been recently replaced it should not be difficult to remove again.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I'm in WI. I broke the head off one of the bolts that holds my abs sensor. It's now held in place with Teflon tape making it snug. I first installed before winter and it stayed snug all winter without the tape but when spring came it would move an invisible amount and defeat my ABS or worse, actually engage abs at every stop until I finally wrapped it with Teflon and press-fit it back in. It shouldn't be too hard to remove once the screw is removed but dont be to surprised if Teflon is in your future.


Take your time with the sensors you need to get some penetrant in there and take your time getting them to start moving. If they've been recently replaced it should not be difficult to remove again.

Avoid using just a socket and ratchet or breaker bar. That will just ensure that you will snap the bolt head off. I use an 18-volt cordless impact to remove the ABS bolt. The blows from the impact help to loosen up the rusty bolt. This is also what I use to remove or loosen brake bleeder screws. Seafoam makes a great penetrant that creeps into the thread of rusted bolts and nuts.

A little tip for Tuesday Tips.

[Rockabilly Rebel]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Avoid using just a socket and ratchet or breaker bar. That will just ensure that you will snap the bolt head off. I use an 18-volt cordless impact to remove the ABS bolt. The blows from the impact help to loosen up the rusty bolt. This is also what I use to remove or loosen brake bleeder screws. Seafoam makes a great penetrant that creeps into the thread of rusted bolts and nuts.

A little tip for Tuesday Tips.

I haven't had trouble with the bolt removal, it is getting the ABS out of the socket....They have all broken (so far).

[Rockabilly Rebel]

Is it possible for the ABS sensor to show exact same wheel speed as the 3 other sensors but still be bad? The codes show no DSC signal at the transfer case.

[andrewwynn]

I use impact whenever I can. No luck this instance. Snapped the head off. I think I skipped spraying.

Similar to the impact wrench concept small taps are what's needed to get it moving