My wife called me on the way home tonight and said that her abs light had come on and when she stopped the abs would kick on and feel like she had no brakes. I drove it and confirmed the problem happens when I turn left. Did a little research on here and some have said that wheel bearings can cause the problem? I pulled apart the brakes and pulled out the abs sensors to take a look and I saw the abs toner rings are all full of grease. I don't think this is normal. They are supposed to be dry yes? So I am leaving on vacation Sunday afternoon, so I guess I will be replacing them tomorrow. Which sucks because I could get them for half price online but I can't wait for them to ship. I am wondering how many other people have had these same issues and does the wheel bearing solve the problem? The truck has 147,000 miles on it and right now the abs light is off. Thanks for your guys help.

 

The grease will affect the ABS tone ring as it will also retain brake dust and other metallic particles in it. You could try just using brake cleaner to clean the ring and pickup and take a test drive to verify that would be a cure. The grease could be coming from the CV joints or the wheel bearing seal(s).
Good luck with it.

 

So correct me if I am wrong, but that will be just a temperary fix? We are going about 4 1/2 hrs away and it is dangerous when that abs kicks in. I don't really want to spend the money but I just don't know what to do?

 

You are carrying your family and it should be RIGHT for that reason alone. I suggested a clean and test to be only a test. I would not suggest that you take a chance with your family. Have you checked to be certain that it is the wheel bearing and not a torn CV boot? If it's the bearing hub assembly, just pick one up at the parts store rather than taking a chance. It'll be about $125.00 or so for the parts and you will spend about an hour in labor. I don't know if you can just replace the seal on these units so you're probably stuck with buying the whole assembly. If it's the CV joint you can buy just the boot for a replacement.

 

I had the exact same issue at about the same number of miles on my Expy. The ABS would activate when it shouldn't during a stop. It can be very scary for sure. I replaced the suspect front hub assembly and all was good. I would bet you will have the same success.

Good luck!

Steve

 

The hub assemblies have gone up some since I bought mine. AutoZone has them ranging in price from $154.99 to $214.99 in my area. Let us know how it works out.

 

Here's my recent experience with an ABS/Front Hub issue.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...abs-issue.html

 

Update.......I replaced both wheel bearings today. Got them thru advance auto for $122 a piece. I think I traced the problem. There are seals that are pressed into the rear of the spindle that seals the half shafts going into the wheel bearing. The seals where shot on both sides. I am guessing the chain of events went something like seal went bad allowing dirt to get to bearing, which trashed bearing and puked grease over abs toner ring hence kicking the abs on while driving. That is just my guess. I couldn't find the seals anywhere, I called every parts house around and the dealer. Rockauto.com has them so I will have to order them up. It kills me that rock auto has the exact same bearing, part number and all for $57 bucks a piece, compared to $122 that I paid. But oh well, leave for vacation tomorrow and had to have it fixed. So test drove when done and it appears to be fixed. Thx for every bodies help.

 

At least you have it done and can start your vacation knowing that the truck is safe. Have a nice one.

 

Dirt is only part of the concern. Until you get the seals and install them, you'll want to avoid water, this includes driving in the rain, driving through puddles, and of course car washes.

 

You are right alloro. The passenger side was rusted pretty good. It will be a week before I can get the seals. I am then going to tear everything back apart and clean the bearing if needed and reinstall. Hope it doesn't rain a lot this week.