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Topic: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement  (Read 852 times) previous topic - next topic

2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

After correcting a reversed wiring in the ABS warning light circuit, a factory error that has kept the ABS warning system from functioning for 11 years, I found that both drive wheel sensors were showing faults.  Further testing showed both to have open circuits. 

I believe Steve has posted photos of him replacing the front ABS sensors, something that can be done with only mildly superhuman effort.  Drive wheel sensors are another matter and not something easily accomplished by an individual owner.  So, off to the experts at Colton Truck Terminal Garage in Colton, Ca.

Replacing the drive wheel sensors requires removing the dual wheels, the disk brake caliper, the drive axle, and the hub.  The attached sequence of photos shows the various stages of the process.

Cost to do both sides is about $1000 (more or less, as I have yet to receive the final bill).

I really like what I have seen so far here at Colton.  They are doing the work outside (after all we are in sunny southern California) so we can stay in the coach.  And they let me watch and they explain what is going on.  And they seem to know what they are doing.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #1 –
Jim,
We had a fairly good experience there last year. Though I would have much preferred to do all the work they did (baseline service changing virtually all of the fluids, filters, dryer service, etc. and a front wheel seal replacement), I didn't have a place to do the work so I talked to Barry B. and got a good report about them. The day we went, there were two other Foretravels there, so I had a good feeling going in. ^.^d
What is the techs name who did the work on your coach? I am trying to remember the name of our tech, but it is escaping me at the moment...
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #2 –
Two techs have been working on my coach.  Mike is the journeyman with 27 years experience and Daniel is his helper with 1 year.  Daniel did the wheel sensor work with supervision from Mike, Jerry, Bobby, and Ed.  Ed, the foreman with 35 years, carefully checked all Daniel's work and guided him along.  He was very patient with Daniel to show tricks of the trade.  Daniel is quick to learn and a pleasant young man to talk with.

I hope I continue to be pleased.  I always hold my breath when having anyone work on my coach.  But, so far, all is well (finger tightly crossed).
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #3 –
Jim,

Thanks for the photos and details.  That is a lot more involved than the steering or tag sensors, thats for sure.

Interestingly my drive wheel passenger side abs sensor "errors" from time to time with a low voltage note on the VMSpc.  Having that replaced sooner rather than later is something I need to do!
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #4 –
Good post Jim. Lots of work involved in doing that.
 Like Steve, I also am getting a VMSPC code once in a while that says " wheel sensor ABS axle 2 left.  Low current. When it says left, does that mean drivers side or passenger. What is the reference point?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #5 –
I would not worry about transitory ABS warnings from VMSPC.  If there is a true fault in the ABS system, the ABS ECU will turn on the red ABS error light and keep it lit.  I do not know the logic used in VMSPC to indicate an ABS fault, but I suspect it is not as thorough as that used in the WABCO ECU.  Bad data transmission on the data bus monitored by VMSPC can result in a transitory error indication.

You can, also, have a tech run the WABCO Toolbox diagnostic software to test the ABS system.
Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #6 –
Quote from: rbark –
Good post Jim. Lots of work involved in doing that.
 Like Steve, I also am getting a VMSPC code once in a while that says " wheel sensor ABS axle 2 left.  Low current. When it says left, does that mean drivers side or passenger. What is the reference point?
I believe that should be drivers side, drive wheel .. front axle is 1, drive 2, tag 3, right is passenger, left is driver ... but if the ABS light comes on you can go through the dash blink code routine to be sure.

Quote
If there is a true fault in the ABS system, the ABS ECU will turn on the red ABS error light and keep it lit.
Mine lights up and stays on when I get that VMSpc error code, I only look for the codes when I get the dash light.  I can reset it and it will be fine for a few trips but it will come back on.  Our ABS system has always been a bit particular anyway, its kind of our Big Bang engine light.


2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #7 –
I've never had the ABS light on the dash come on, other than when just starting and durning the self check.
 Thanks Steve and Jim for the info.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #8 –
Sometimes if I stop at a rest area or a delay at a traffic stop the abs light will come on, but if I turn off the ignition and restart and as soon as the coach starts to move the light goes out, think it may be related to temperature as seems to happen more often when the temp is warmer
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: 2003 U320: Rear ABS Wheel Sensor Replacement

Reply #9 –
Quote from: red tractor –
Sometimes if I stop at a rest area or a delay at a traffic stop the abs light will come on, but if I turn off the ignition and restart and as soon as the coach starts to move the light goes out, think it may be related to temperature as seems to happen more often when the temp is warmer

My ABS light comes on every time I turn the ignition on. However, once I start moving (I guess about 3-5mph) it goes out and never comes back on...until the next ignition cycle.
1998 U270 34'