ABS and Wheel bearings?

[bluegrassgirl]

I've an '02 Montana which has been a real pain to deal with for about the last 18 months. A couple of weeks ago my ABS light came on along with my service engine light. I finally got off work long enough run it by the dealership (I've the extended warranty or I wouldn't fool with them) yesterday and they told me the ABS light was because it needs 3 wheel bearings replaced. I'm confused ~ so I asked a few people who are much more knowledgeable than me and they are also confused. How is fixing my wheel bearings going to fix my ABS system? The service engine light is an oxygen sensor (again). I'd appreciate any insight you could offer me. I'm taking it back at 9:30 tomorrow to have the work done and it will only be my deductible ($50) so I will let them fix the wheel bearings, I'm just concerned that it won't actually fix my van's problem. Thanks!

[cdru]

The ABS wheel speed sensor and bearing is all contained within the same component, the hub assembly. The bearing and sensor are not sold individually. So if the sensor goes bad, you have to also replace the bearing. Aftermarket, the assembly runs ~$130 or so IIRC, so $50 to replace all 3 isn't too bad of a deal. My guess is the shop labor time would be a couple of hours for the 3 of them.

[GTP Dad]

I agree with cdru, consider yourself lucky that you will only have to pay $50 to get it repaired. It is strange though that three wheel bearings went at the same time. You might want to see if you can talk them into changing the fourth one too. If three are bad the 4th can't be too far behind.

[cdru]

I'd also wonder about bad connections or a loose connection, particularly if all the wires run back to a central wiring harness. Depending on what the exact code the dealer read from the ABS subsystem, it may have been fairly obvious that it was defective sensors though.

If you are paying per-incident though, it probably doesn't matter much. I bet they will be hesitent to just replace the 4th one for grins and giggles though.

[GregA]

Originally Posted by cdru

I'd also wonder about bad connections or a loose connection, particularly if all the wires run back to a central wiring harness. Depending on what the exact code the dealer read from the ABS subsystem, it may have been fairly obvious that it was defective sensors though.

If you are paying per-incident though, it probably doesn't matter much. I bet they will be hesitent to just replace the 4th one for grins and giggles though.

I seem to recall that all the sensor wires go back to the EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) and then to the PCM (computer) via a communication bus signal (class 2).

I believe the EBCM is under the dash, but I am not sure. There may be a connector under the hood, near the master cylinder.

Here is a link that might have more information, but it for years less than 2000.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801bf196.jsp

Take Care,

[richtazz]

If your van has rear drum brakes, the dust gets trapped in the drum, causing the rear brakes to grab. This will cause the abs light to come on. It sounds like the dealer is getting paid by the warranty company, so they're gonna bone them by replacing the three hubs (i assume it's both rear and one front) because it pays more to replace hubs rather than disassemble, clean, an reassemble the rear brakes. As far as you're concerned, if it's only gonna cost you one deductible, let them change them. On the oxygen sensor issue, you may have an intake leak getting coolant on the oxygen sensor causing it to fail. Does your van use coolant, even a very small amount? If so, you may need an intake manifold gasket replaced, a VERY common problem on 3.4L V-6's. There are 2 oxygen sensors on your van, one pre-converter, one post converter. If it's the post-converter sensor tripping the code(catalyst efficiency low), that could be another sign of coolant in the exhaust, and it's starting to plug your converter.