ABS brake sensor

1996 FORD WINDSTAR
200,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
COSMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
New Dorman ABS sensor rubbing slightly on tone ring on new hub. What should the clearance be?
Jul 13, 2021 at 5:05 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

There really isn't a specific air gap that is provided. The sensor length is what determines that. What is the part number of the sensor they gave you?

Also, I attached a pic below. Does this look like the design you have?

Let me know.

Joe
Jul 13, 2021 at 10:09 PM
Avatar
COSMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, it looks like the pic. Part # Dorman 970015
Jul 14, 2021 at 5:17 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
That is the correct part for the right front. I cross-referenced it. Is that where it is on your vehicle? (passenger's side front)?

As far as touching, there is a chance the tone ring or hub bearing has moved or has play. Was the old sensor just bad, or what led you to replace it?

Joe
Jul 14, 2021 at 7:27 PM
Avatar
COSMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yesterday I measured the clearance while rotating the axle. At one point it pinched a 0.004 feeler gauge, so I shimmed the sensor out about .004-.006 more with several layers of aluminum foil. I hope it works, not knowing the correct clearance. I had already installed a new CV half shaft, hub, and bearing, because of age and noise when accelerating while turning, and the ABS sensor wire insulation was crumbling too, which is why I replaced that. Thank you for your time. (Is there an industry average clearance for these sensors?)
Jul 15, 2021 at 3:45 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

There really isn't an industry standard. However, it needs to be close to produce a reliable and strong signal.

I'm a bit confused about something. You indicated that a .004 feel gauge touched certain points. The tone ring should run true, so if it hits a .004 gauge, it should hit at all points of the tone ring. Is that happening?

Now, some sensors can be adjusted when installed. However, this one isn't. IF you look at the attachment below, you'll see what I have in my manual. When no adjustment is provided, there isn't a procedure for adjustment.

One other question. Have you physically compared the old and new sensor lengths to see if they are the same?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Jul 15, 2021 at 8:54 PM