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speed sensor problems after changing front axle shaft on 2004

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ianmeister, Jun 7, 2023.

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  1. Ianmeister

    Ianmeister Active Member

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    so an interesting little tidbit, hope you can help me. as we know the 2004 is a bit of a stand alone model. I think the computer might even be a little schizo. I replaced the drivers side half shaft after chasing down a clunking sound. After reassembling the clunking was gone, but now two things happen. If I exceed 60MPH I get an amber brake system/ABS warning light that comes on, but turns off once I get below 20. Also the cruise control surges and pulses. I thought maybe the speed sensor was bad so I replaced it. The surging is slighty better, but still there. Sadly in my over confidence I threw away the old half shaft. I'm not sure what to try next. any ideas?
    build date 12/2003
    Ian
     
    #1 Ianmeister, Jun 7, 2023
  2. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    If you didn't move the wheel speed sensor during the initial axle replacement, then I doubt the sensor is the problem.

    More likely that the tone (toothed) ring on the axle is damaged or incorrect. This assumes that all 4 tires are the same size (and are the same as before the repair).

    Ideally, you could use a capable scantool to monitor wheel speed data in the ABS system- see if one sensor reads differently from the others.

    Otherwise, you can unbolt the lower ball joint and the axle nut. Pull the knuckle out just enough to inspect the tone ring for bent ("dinged") teeth, cracks, etc.

    If needed, pull the other side enough to visually compare the two axles to each other. Do they have the same number of teeth? Is the tone ring mounted at the same "depth" (distance from the wheel bearing? (ie, when the axle is installed, do the teeth of the tone ring appear to be centered under the wheel speed sensor?)

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 mr_guy_mann, Jun 7, 2023
  3. Ianmeister

    Ianmeister Active Member

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    Hmmm. I’ll try that.
     
    #3 Ianmeister, Jun 8, 2023
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Yes I would think any difference in the amount of teeth or not being centered and being seen well by the sensor could be very problematic indeed I noticed just one different tire on the car sets off traction control immediately and the overall OD of the tires all four of them is almost the same but the system detects it and doesn't like it at all
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Jun 8, 2023
  5. Ianmeister

    Ianmeister Active Member

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    SOLVED! I found a review of the axle company I bought the half shaft from and discovered they take no care in protecting the ABS sensor tone ring. it was dented in several places. So I went tp a wrecking yard. found a Prius with a good tone ring, carefully replaced it to my car and now everything is golden. Warning lights off, cruise works again, mileage jumped from 35 to 48. I'm really disappointed in this axle company!

    Here's the link for those interested and a picture of the dented tone ring.
    IMG_0402.JPG
     
    #5 Ianmeister, Jun 11, 2023
  6. dbtorreliob

    dbtorreliob Junior Member

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    does anyone know where you can buy just the tone ring? ive got the foreign object code attached…i replaced the old sensor, still get the dash lights. one of the teeth is chipped on the edge.
     
    #6 dbtorreliob, Sep 7, 2023
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