Traction control/Anti-lock- - - 1997 Riviera

[rivyera]

My 97 Riviera has 83K miles and both the traction control and the anti-lock lights stay on while driving; anyone have any suggetions as to what to check? What would be common to both systems that would be making both lights stay on?

[Buick1997]

That's pretty common...usually one of the wheel speed sensors in the front. Could also be the the wiring or connectors. There are other reasons, but almost always one of these. Best thing to do is get the codes read, you will need a more advanced reader to do this, I went to a transmission shop and they read them for free. This will isolate the wheel (or wheels, both of my front sensors were junk) that is to blame but not the cause (wiring or sensor). You'll need to check the wires/connector to rule those out. If its the sensor (usually is) the catch is...you need to replace the bearing, since the sensor is integrated (no way around it). These are expensive, don't go with the cheap bearings, go dealer or BCA brand. The cheaper ones are crap . They are not hard to replace, just make sure you torque the hub nut properly or it (the bearing) won't last (GM book is 107 lb. ft. for a 97). The three retaining bolts are 75 lb. ft.. The reason both lights are on is because when the computer does not get a proper reading from the wheels it cannot operate the anti-lock brakes or traction control, thus both are disabled. Hope this helps...Good luck!

[Carter11]

Buick 1997...you were correct about sensor wiring but husband unable to remove hub from spindle. Tried every thing even 20lb sledge hammer. The 3 bolts are off but that hub will not come off. Any ideas? Thanks

[rivyera]

Originally Posted by Carter11

Buick 1997...you were correct about sensor wiring but husband unable to remove hub from spindle. Tried every thing even 20lb sledge hammer. The 3 bolts are off but that hub will not come off. Any ideas? Thanks

I used the car so seldom I never got around to removing the hubs; do you have a service manual? Perhaps there would be more detailed info in the manual which would further expalin how to remove the hubs!,,,

[Buick1997]

The three bolts in the back...and the hub nut are all that hold it in there...besides rust. I would spray down with a penetrating oil and let that go to work for a while. What you need is some leverage, maybe put a few lug nuts on with large washers behind and use a large (4-5 foot minimum) pry bar to break loose. Mine was a high mile MN car and they came out easy...I think if you horse it a little it will pop out. Don't worry about damaging the lugs since there are new ones on the replacement bearing.