If your car is losing power and sputtering, it might be time to replace the wheel speed sensor. This article will guide you through the process of finding, removing, and replacing this vital component. When your car’s engine is working properly and delivering fuel to the wheels at the correct rate, they can rotate at a consistent speed. The wheel speed sensor helps ensure this happens by measuring the rotational speed of each wheel. If one or more wheels are spinning faster than normal, the sensor will send a signal to your car’s computer indicating a problem. In most cases, the wheel speed sensor is located on the axle closest to the differential. To replace it, first identify which axle it’s on by looking at your car’s service manual or by checking a diagram online. Once you know which axle it’s on, remove the bolts that hold it in place and take it to a mechanic for installation.
What is a Wheel Speed Sensor?
Wheel speed sensors are very important devices on your car. They help the car to detect when a wheel is rotating too slowly or too quickly, and then send a signal to the computer telling it how fast or slow the wheel is spinning. If your car doesn’t have a wheel speed sensor, it will most likely not be able to properly drive.
When your car needs to change lanes, for example, it will use the information from your wheel speed sensor to figure out which lane you should be in. If your wheel speed sensor isn’t working correctly, the car will probably still be able to change lanes (although it might take longer), but it won’t be able to figure out which lane you should be in.
Your wheel speed sensor is usually located on the front of the axle near where the tire meets the rim. There are usually two of them, one for each side of the car. When you replace your wheel speed sensor, make sure to get one that’s compatible with your vehicle’s model and year.
What Does a Wheel Speed Sensor Do?
A wheel speed sensor is a device that monitors the rotational speed of your vehicle’s wheels. It sends a signal to your vehicle’s computer so that it can learn how fast the wheels are turning and adjust your car’s engine RPM accordingly.
If you experience poor performance, or if your car “misbehaves” when you roll down your window, it might be because your wheel speed sensor has gone out of calibration. A broken or malfunctioning wheel speed sensor can cause inaccurate engine RPM readings and produce strange driving behavior. Here’s how to replace it:
How To Replace a Wheel Speed Sensor
To replace a wheel speed sensor on a car, you will need the following:
-Wheel speed sensor
-Screwdriver
-Lug wrench
-Hex nut wrench or Allen key
-Torque wrench (if using bolt)
-Socket set
-Paint or sealant (optional)
1. Tighten lug nuts to the correct torque. Use the torque wrench if needed. Be sure to evenly distribute the torque across all of the lugs. Overdoing it may cause stretching or damage to the tire and wheel assembly.
2. Remove hubcap (see photo above). If applicable, remove front and rear suspension arms as well.
3. Remove two screws that hold sensor in place (one on each side). Carefully pry sensor loose with a screwdriver – do not pull too hard! It is possible to break plastic connector if mishandled.
4. Clean area around Sensor where it was attached with alcohol and/or Comet cleaner + water solution (see photo above). Do not use any type of solvent which could damage rubber parts inside hubcap or elsewhere on vehicle. Seal any cracks/ Tears in rubber with paint or sealant if needed before reinstalling parts. NOTE: Wheel speed sensor does not require replacement when sensors are located on centerline of wheel only IF vehicle has upgraded Stability Control system which uses On Board Diagnostics (OBD) scan tool to monitor wheel speeds and adjusts control accordingly
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your car’s wheel speed sensor, it might be time to replace it. Replaceing the wheel speed sensor can fix a number of issues with your car, including making the car slow down when you try to shift gears and causing poor fuel economy. Let us help you find the right part and replace it in a simple and straightforward process.