2011 Ford F53 front ABS speed sensors

[Waterbug]

I have a 2012 Itasca Suncruiser 37F that is built on a 2011 Ford F53 chassis. I have verified that the chassis is 2011 by searching the VIN. I have an ABS failure dash indicator and have diagnosed the issue as a defective front ABS speed sensor. When ordering a new sensor online, the images do not match my sensor. Neither the electrical connector or mounting hardware match my vehicle. Doing further research, I have found that my sensor matches a 2010 F53 sensor exactly. Has anyone come across simular inconsistencies? The chassis assembly date is 05/2011.

 

[klook]

I have on my E450 chassis. There are some strange combinations out there.....

 

[Waterbug]

After determining the correct sensors, ordering them online and receiving them, I decided to view online videos on how to install them. It turns out that they are held in place with a single 5 mm Allen screw. Anyone who knows anything about vehicle mechanics know that you don't design the use of Allen screws in locations that are prone to dirt and corrosion. I don't know what the Ford engineers were thinking. If you can't get the Allen screw out or strip it, a half hour sensor replacement turns into an expensive brake caliper and pad replacement. EDIT: Since the RV is 15 years old, with only 41,000 miles on it, I know what I am in for.

 

[AlanO-WO]

It might pay to soak the mounting screws in penetrating solution for a day ahead of your project date.
Then prior to attempting to loosen the screw, give it a couple of firm raps and turn slowly back and forth till it starts to back out.

 

[Morich]

When all else faills, try drilling it and using an easy out screw extractor?
Life's a bear but what are the options?

 

[Waterbug]

Everything that I have read says to replace both front wheel speed sensors, on older vehicles, at the same time, because the ABS computer compares the signals. Since this is a class A with a V10 and I am a backyard mechanic, I have no way of lifting the entire front end at the same time. Using penitrating oil for several days, on each side, turns this into a week long project. I could park on a slant and use the leveling Jack's to lift the front end, but don't like that idea. With the price of gas, this whole project may wait until Fall. I've already driven 5k miles with the ABS dash warning light on. Don't drive in rain or snow and Florida, where I live is flat. Won't go out of state until gas gets back to around $3/gallon.

 

[Morich]

Good choice on the gas and part of the reason I have not gotten around to buying another RV as I do not expect gas to get reasonable in my lifetime left!

 

[RayIN]

Before spending money, try a "trick" a mechanic suggested when my ABS light was staying on continually. He said, from the opposite side, use a high pressure washer to clean the backside of each wheel. Allow time for brakes to dry then drive it a while and monitor the ABS light. It worked! Ever since then the only time I see the ABS light is at start-up light check.
Also the ABS sensor has a specified distance from the tone ring, to far away or too close can cause problems.
He said over time road dirt, oils, and grime collect, harden and prevent the sensor from reading the tone ring.
Might not be your issue, but costs nothing to try.

 

[Waterbug]

Before spending money, try a "trick" a mechanic suggested when my ABS light was staying on continually. He said, from the opposite side, use a high pressure washer to clean the backside of each wheel. Allow time for brakes to dry then drive it a while and monitor the ABS light. It worked! Ever since then the only time I see the ABS light is at start-up light check.
Also the ABS sensor has a specified distance from the tone ring, to far away or too close can cause problems.
He said over time road dirt, oils, and grime collect, harden and prevent the sensor from reading the tone ring.
Might not be your issue, but costs nothing to try.

Thanks for the suggestion, but mine is definitely a defective sensor. It reads open with an ohm meter. Other sensors read good. It cost less than $40 for the pair of front sensors. I asked for a quote from a local garage that services heavy trucks and they wouldn't quote anything less than total front brake job on a 15 year old vehicle that has never had brake work. I'm guessing liability issues. RV only has 42k highway miles. Pads still look good.