How To Clean ABS Sensors

Preparing to Clean Your ABS Sensors

When your ABS light comes on, one of several things could be the reason. Some are minor; some not so minor. Either way, you should always pay attention to it.

One example of something considered minor might be dirt on the sensor. Even something as small as this may cause your system to turn on the ABS light during evaluation. Road dirt and grime can easily build up on the sensor so this can happen often depending on driving frequency. But don't wait for your ABS sensor light to come on before you get around to cleaning it. By all means, clean it regularly.

The best time to do this is when you are replacing brake pads because the wheels of the vehicle will already be off. Here are a few things you will need in preparation for cleaning your ABS sensors.

Once you gather your materials, you'll be ready to perform the task.

Jack & Jack stands
A heavy woven or durable rag
Ratchet wrench and sockets
Ratchet extension

Note: The jack stands mentioned above are extremely important to use when doing this. Never go under a car with a car jack alone!

Remove The Wheel (Support With Jack Stands)

Start to loosen the wheel lugs. When lugs are loosened sufficiently (not all the way), jack up the front end of your vehicle and rest it on jack stands. This will make it safer to work under your vehicle as opposed to using the jack alone.

Now, with your vehicle safely raised, with the car safely supported, you can remove all the wheel lugs and take the front wheels off completely.

Now that the wheel is off the vehicle, turn your steering wheel until it is all the way in facing opposite the side that you are may be working on. So, if you are on the driver side of the vehicle, then you want to turn the wheel all the way toward the passenger side. If you are working on the on the passenger side of the vehicle, then you want to turn the wheel all the way so that it is facing toward the passenger's side.

Removing ABS Wheel Sensors

Next, find your ABS wheel sensor on the side you're working on. Remove all the bolts that keep it attached to the suspension. There may be more bolts that need to be removed other than the ones that attach the ABS sensor to the suspension. These other bolts may be to be removed to pull the ABS sensor into a position where it can be cleaned. Check to see if there are more bolts. Do not force out the sensor but remove all bolts carefully. You may need to follow the ABS sensor line to get to the rest of these bolts.

Cleaning ABS Sensors

Now that this sensor is free, use that strong rag and wipe the sensor clean. It is recommended that mild soap and water can be used here if necessary, otherwise no chemicals should be used as it can lead to problems. Refit the ABS sensor the same way it was removed.

Just repeat the process for the other side and you're done.

Note: There may be approved jacks that can be used for this type of job but it is always strongly recommended to use jack stands. Auto repair shops have industrial equipment that allow autoworkers or mechanics to reach car parts a lot easier. However, for those "do-it-yourselfers", never do this without jack stands.

Remember: Safety first.

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