tyre blow-out now I have Christmas lights
 

Hi all,
Sorry for the long post.

I've not had a reason to post for a long time, however yesterday, while travelling to the city from my farm, I suffered a rear left tyre failure.
I heard a 'flapping' noise while driving at 110 km/ph. Pulled over to investigate and saw a portion of the inner rear left tyre was starting to peel off. I was only 4 kms from the next town and a safe place to change wheels. Anyhow, 2 kms later (while driving at only 60km/h) I had several warning lights illuminate on the dash and lost my speedometer too. I still had air in the tyre so continued my journey to a shady and safe place to change wheels.
I swapped over wheels and didn't take much notice at the time, but now realise that a sensor of sorts has parted company from the inner wheel well, when compared with the opposite side, as there are two wires exposed and a rectangular module seems to have been knocked off by the shredding tyre. The auto ride-height for the rear suspension is no longer working either (rear is at full height).

As mentioned, I'm away from home and my workshop/garage. That said, I'm in a city (Perth Western Australia) and hope to find what I need while here so I can make good the required repairs. I'll be getting some new tyres fitted tomorrow, so will have the benefit of being able to take a better look, but unfortunately I'm in a hotel at the moment and there isn't anywhere appropriate for me to investigate things more closely.

I would be grateful if any members could point me in the right direction as to what this sensor may be.

It might be most of the problem is that the junction box took the beating. You can compare sides to see what is supposed to be there.

ABS sensor wiring. Cluster also gets speed information via rear left ABS sensor. The other one in the box on the left is brake pad warning which can be neglected. If the air suspension is also out the level sensor or it's wiring is damaged. Get some pictures so we'll see if those can be repaired with just some wire connecting.

When compared to the other side, the 'junction box' is non-existent. All that remains is the mounting backing plate... with two wires, bared to copper, coming from within the inner guard. I'll be taking some pics when I can get access.

Given all the warning lights on the cluster, I can only assume that most of the wiring in the rear left wheel well, has been shredded... at least the car still drives and hasn't left me stranded. I'll take some pics of the damage when the wheel is removed at the tyre fitting place. Many thanks for your speedy and knowledgeable reply.

Actually on the rear the brake pad sensor is on the right side so no wiring regarding that on the left side. Only two sets wiring x3. White, blue/white, brown/red for rear left ABS sensor and white/grey, white/blue, white/black for rear left level sensor.

That junction box you're missing is mounted directly to the wheel well toward the back of the vehicle. However, the level sensor is toward the front of the vehicle mounted on the suspension. Check that wiring and sensor out as well to see if it's been severed/damaged, and make sure the arm coming off the suspension that connects to the sensor is oriented vertically.

Okay - many thanks for the suggestions and advice. I took the vehicle in for rear tyres yesterday and managed to inspect the damage more closely. From what I can tell, it's not as bad as I first thought. The cover to the junction box has parted company but I can only see one connection that has been severed, with two wires. I will have access to some tools in 24 hours, so will solder these broken wires and see what happens. The other side (right) seems to have two items going to the junction box. Not sure if that's what is supposed to be on the left side too?

The right side has two connections, the left side has one.

The second connection on the right side is the brake pad wear sensor.

*edit* corrected the statement about the second right side connection. :rolleyes:

I just poked my head under mine and only the right side has two cables, the left side one. The "right" side as as you are sitting in the car.