If you own a car, truck, or motorcycle, you most likely rely on wheel speed sensors to help you regulate your vehicle’s speed. Unfortunately, these sensors can sometimes go out of whack, causing your car to accelerate or brake erratically. In this blog post, we will show you how to test your wheel speed sensor and diagnose any issues before they cause serious damage to your vehicle.
What is a Wheel Speed Sensor?
A wheel speed sensor is a sensor that detects the rotational speed of a wheel. This information is used to calculate the amount of kinetic energy that has been transferred from the wheel to the vehicle. A wheel speed sensor can be used to diagnose issues with a car’s wheels, such as worn or damaged bearings, and can also help determine when it is time to replace the wheel.
How to Test a Wheel Speed Sensor
Testing a wheel speed sensor is important to ensure the proper function of the sensor. Testing can be done using a simple rolling test or by using a motorized tester.
A rolling test can be done by rolling the vehicle over a set distance and measuring the speed at which the wheel rotates. Motorized testers can also be used to measure wheel speeds. These testers use sensors to measure the how quickly the wheel is spinning and can provide accurate results.
What to do if the Wheel Speed Sensor is Broken
If your car’s wheel speed sensor is broken, you’ll need to replace it. To test the sensor, first remove the tire and rim from the wheel. Then use a calibrated Torque Wrench or Socket to check for torque on the bolt that holds the sensor in place (this will be about 25 ft. lbs.- 30 Nm). If there is no torque, then the sensor is likely broken. If there is torque, then the sensor may still be broken but can be replaced without removing the tire and rim. In either case, you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic to have it repaired.
Conclusion
Testing your wheel speed sensor is an important part of maintaining optimal vehicle performance. By monitoring the speed at which your wheels are spinning, you can ensure that they are spinning at the correct speed and that there is no damage or wear to the drivetrain. If you’re not sure how to test your wheel speed sensor, or if you need help troubleshooting a problem with it, give our team a call at 888-993-9392 and we’ll be happy to assist you.