My ABS light has been on for about a month or so now and I finally got around to ordering a new wheel speed sensor from Rockauto this week. Took the rotor/caliper off and located the bolt for the speed sensor, with minimal force the bolt head promptly snapped off cleanly...great. I was able to remove the bad sensor by tapping it out from the rotor side. Upon comparison of the old and new sensors I realized I was sent the appropriate part # box for the right rear sensor however inside the box was a left rear sensor which does not line up properly. I did notice that the sensor itself fits extremely snug in the hole to the point that I do not think it would loosen itself without a bolt but am weary of attempting this. Besides disassembling the hub to be able to attempt drilling/extracting the broken bolt would it be foolish to fit the new sensor in place and use some type of adhesive to fill the spot where the bolt head would sit to ensure it doesn't back itself out? Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Don't think I would feel to comfortable at high speed knowing I was using a band-aid to hold things together ... if it calls for a bolt to be there then that is what is required.

 

That is 99% what I am feeling but was hoping to avoid additional work/frustration! If I am going to remove the hub I am now wondering if I need to replace anything by default (as in wheel bearing/hub itself) or can I get away with taking it apart and reassembling? Beyond that can someone recommend a good broken bolt extraction tool/kit?

 

It's not really a bandaid. If it falls out it's not really a big deal and won't hurt anything. My mechanic left mine hanging and I did not notice it for weeks, just had an abs light, won't hurt anything except you won't have abs, and that's IF it comes out

 

That might work using epoxy glue or something like that but that will just push the date you will have to extract the bolt and buy another ABS sensor. Drilling & extracting the bolts is a 30 minutes job, so it's your call.

Good luck.

AA

 

Thanks guys, the whole reason for replacing it really is due to vehicle inspection being due at the end of this month, Massachusetts will slap a rejection sticker on with an ABS light illuminated I am guessing.

I do want to drill the broken bolt out properly just so I don't have to worry about it again hopefully, can anyone recommend a good method and/or extraction set to use for this process?

 

It's quite simple, use a punch to make a dot in the middle of the broken bolt, I mean hit the punch with a hammer in the middle of the bolt. You will need a drill bit ( 1/16 or 3/32 ) a bolt extractor that is the right size for that bolt. Ok once you punched the bolts you will need to drill on the dot ( I would say a half inch deep ) you may want to use a lubricant to keep the bit cool while drilling, after the whole is done it will be a matter of extracting the bolt turning the extrator counter clock wise and voilà your done.

You need a kit similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062ZDF4

AA

 

Put a dab of JB Weld on it until you can get around to the proper fix.

 

My right rear is held in by friction only, so far no problem for a year. That thing is a TIGHT fit.

 

Sweet this is what I was hoping to hear from someone!

 

I agree that they are a VERY tight fit. I've replaced two so far and both times I had to use a rubber mallet to get them all the way in. The sensor has ribs and the wheel has slots for them to fit into so they won't twist out of place. I highly doubt that they will come loose before you get an inspection sticker and will probably stay in place permanently.

 

Very tight fit.I had the same problem,I drilled and replaced the bolt but I know by the way it fit in there I really did not have to.

 

What is the bolt size?????

 

Probably m6x1.00.