ABS problem after rear axle bearing install

Hello group mind
I spent a lot of time exploring the forum for tips on a rear axle bearing repair, and it was pretty helpful. So the install went pretty well, I thought, but immediately after the install my ABS began kicking in at really low speeds, like between one mph and stop. Brakes work fine in all other aspects, and no code or light is appearing. I took the drum back off and saw that the seal had failed; took the axle back to the machine shop and they really did seem pretty familiar with Toyotas and how far to press on the bearings. Got a different, double lipped seal and installed it; put the axle back in, ran it for twenty minutes in drive with the rear wheels up in the air....couldn't see a leak. Cleaned up the ABS sensor, reinstalled it, test drove it: Same problem. Installed a different sensor but that also didn't fix the problem.
Gear oil got all over the brake shoes, of course, and I cleaned it as best I could, but don't want to put new shoes on until I'm sure the new seal actually works.
Is it possible that the ABS is kicking on because of the oil on the brake shoes? Is it possible I didn't fully bleed the last micro drop of air from the system? Is it possible it's a different sensor or wheel?

 

Thanks. Well, if that's the case, I'll just live with it for a few weeks until I'm sure the leak is over, and replace the shoes. It did seem like it improved a bit after I did several hard stops...I was trying to sort of burn through the glaze on the brake shoes.

 

Your wheels would slow at a different pace if the shoes were oil fouled. Once that variation in deceleration is detected, the ABS will want to engage. Makes sense in theory. Also, when remounting the drum, its pretty much impossible to tighten the shoes exactly the same on each side. The shoes closer to the drum will stop faster than the other side, this could also engage the ABS. They usually will wear into balance, and the ABS will stop engaging after a short time (use your ebrake every day). I would live with it until I was confident in the seals before being concerned. One problem at a time.

 

Look in the abs sensor hole, is the tone ring lined up properly?

Many have had them pressed too far, which would lead to issues.

 

Yeah, I've read about that. Looking at it, it seems to be right where it should be. And the machinist double checked it when I brought it back to him, said he was sure it was in spec.

 

I would double and triple check this, and make sure your sensors are clean and good. My seals have leaked for years, and my drums were absolutely covered in diff juice. Never had my abs kick on. The second my tone rings were pushed on too far I had abs issues. It got bad enough that it would kick my pedal out and stop braking. I had to throw it in park or else hit what was in front of me. I pulled the abs fuse to stop that. I'm certain it's your sensors, or air got into your system. Did you do a full bleed? Proportioning valve and all?

Pics of my drums that never caused an abs issue:

 

Ok, you have me beat for greasy brake drums. I was not aware of the proportioning valve, but now I am: Thanks! I'll give that a try.

 

Just be sure to report back. This is a problem a few of us have had, and is still semi unresolved.

 

Hmmm...Not finding much about bleeding proportioning valve. It's up by the spare? Does it have a bleed nipple and get bled like the wheel cylinders?

 

Yes and yes.

 

Along these same lines, I have had a problem with when I make a "somewhat" hard left turn, on the front ABS I can feel them bumping slightly...just a little vibration.

My mechanic said the ABS sensors need to be take apart and cleaned due to most likely a buildup of rust. The truck is a 2003 and spent some time in Massachusetts...has anyone had a similar issue and how difficult is it for me to take the ABS sensors off and "sand" them?

 

I don't think you can really disassemble the actual sensor. It's a very basic design. A plastic shell with a metal tip. It simply unbolts from the hub. You could pull it off and gently clean it. I would also look down in the hole at the tone ring and see if there is any gunk in there. Mine was clean and wiping it off didn't resolve my problem. My fix was pulling both ABS fuses.

 

I pulled my ABS fuses years ago. I HATE the ABS on these trucks, almost killed me the first time I drove in the snow. The truck. simply. wouldn't. stop. Its a much much better experience int he snow without the GD ABS.

 

So when I pull the fuses the abs simply does not receive a signal and do it’s thing? Front and rear?

 

Correct but the ABS light will be on unless you pull that too.

 

Got it....thanks

 

You won't regret it. And yes, after you pull both fuses, ABS will be disabled on all wheels, you will just have 'brakes' which don't lose their freaking minds everytime you drive on a loose or slippery surface. You will also decrease stopping distance dramatically on those surfaces.

 

I may have to try that, right now, it is more of a nuisance just when I brake hard to the left and turn but if it would improve braking distance???

Thanks for the information.

 

Braking distance will be the same on dry pavement, it will be nearly halved on snow, mud or gravel without the ABS. Of course you will have to control any potential skid manually as tires only steer when they are turning.

 

Agreed....the way we “used to brake”

 

It's how I grew up driving at least. Brakes where just brakes and there where three pedals on the floor.

 

Well....I finally fixed the f#$%!!r. I got the wheel off and really looked, gazed into the soul of the sensor hole, and the exciter ring seemed just a bit inboard. Took it all apart one more time, dragged it back to Napa one more time, and the machinist ( a different one) said "yeah, sometimes we just need to move them an 1/8 of an inch or a 1/4 inch or so". He pushed it on a 1/4 inch more, said, "yeah, this thing was to spec before, but there's apparently something different about yours" and I put it back on and the problem has gone away. Looking down in the sensor hole now, that exciter ring is just absolutely dead center.

 

I wrecked my new Lexus because of ABS. Someone pulled out directly in front of me...I put the break pedal to the floor, expecting all 4 wheels to lock up leaving rubber on the ground. Instead, the ABS took over, and I felt the pedal pulsing back at me, and the car slowing down rather that stopping. I'm convinced I would have stopped short of the collision with normal brakes.

 

Yea, I've always had mixed feelings about it myself

 

Paging @Aerindel
The #1 hater of ABS

 

dude. look 4 posts up. He done been here

I thought the '00-'03 didn't have ABS. I see a few of you guys do. My '00 does not.

 

When I clicked the thread today I started at post #22. I should have scrolled up a bit. My b

 

you were right tho. just givin ya a hard time.

 

ABS was an option on the 00-03 trucks. My 00 has it, but my brother's 02 does not.

 

is it just the limited or 4wd that had it? I've got a 2wd SR5. No ABS