1997 Dodge Caravan ABS light on after axle change: Related

JNDTIGHE

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

Took the van in for repair of the front axles. The seals were totally missing, grease was gone, and bearings exposed. When I picked up the van, the ABS light came on. I took it back and they said the "ABS sensor had gone bad." Since the sensor "went bad" at the same time of the repair, I suspected the shop broke something during the repair and asked them. They denied any connection between the two. After a bit of research on line, I'm wondering whether they may have installed the wrong axles (a non-ABS axle instead of one with ABS). Does that make sense? The invoice I received has no part numbers, so I can't compare. Is there anything visual I can check (without removing the part?) Thanks.

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Yes there will be a ring on the axle that has teeth.
On the one with abs. This abs ring has spaces between the teeth the the senor uses to identify the speed the axles are turning at.

It is very possible damage was done while changing the axle but nearly impossible to prove. Techs often drive out the axle with an impact hammer and the severe vibrations can affect the senors. Most of the time there isn't a problem. But not always.