'99 3.5 Speed sensor failure @ 86k - $500

[cheezwizard]

Hey gang, Cheez Wizard in the house.

I've had my '99 3.5 for about 3 months and just over 1000 miles. Was on my way to get an oil change today when (as luck would have it) the 'anti-lock' light came on.

I took it to a GM dealer for service to be safe (Speedy lube was unfamiliar with the engine, don't feel too comfortable w/'em anyway).

So I got the oil change, $20 (my filters/oil), no prob. They checked the ABS light code and it came back as a faulty r/f speed sensor. They said the whole hub assembly needs to be replaced, as the sensor is not a seperate part for the Intrigue. $400 parts + labor. Damn.

I figured on getting another opinion before layin' out the cash.

They also checked the previous services my car's had. Just the crank sensor and some A/C work. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Maybe a buncha stuff is about to go wrong. I hope not, really dig me new wheels y'know.

I haven't seen this prob mentioned here before. Are there 4 of these speed sensors that can go bad ($2000) just outta nowhere? Would that ever suckle!

Having said all that, I've bonded quite well with my Olds in the short time I've had it. Hope you're all enjoying yours as well.

Word,
CW

[Ruley73]

There are 4 speed sensors. One on each wheel for the ABS, and the sensor is part of the hub. I've heard that replacing the front wheel hubs on '97-up W-Bodies is fairly easy. They are bolted on the spindle with four bolts. They are a completely sealed hub assembly. You don't have to worry about packing the bearings or replacing the seals. It's something that I myself would attempt to do if I had to. I've removed the hub from the front of my '95 Buick Regal GS to change 3 broken wheel studs (long story) and that was fairly easy. Getting the old studs out was the hardest part.

[paulkramer]

I just replaced a rear hub/bearing on my Intrigue; easier on the rear to be sure, but manageable on the front. The part was $110 (from discount auto parts store, much better than the $500 the dealer quoted me - part only!), new bolts from dealer for $16.

[JTrujillo86]

Holy cow...I had no idea that this repair was so costly. I just had the right front speed sensor take a crap on my Alero. Thank god mine was under warranty. They too had to replace the entire hub assembly and bearing on my Silver Bullet. This speed sensors are pretty common problems with the N body Gm vehicles too (Alero, Grand Am, Malibu).

Jeremy

[cheezwizard]

I guess getting the part from the dealer ain't the way to go. I found it at www.napaonline.com for $179. Part #BR930148, and they said local Napa stores carry it.