I want to share this with my D2 friends. Replacing the front ABS sensors has so far solved the annoying even dangerous problem of ABS activation at slow speed while turning. The new sensors have significantly stronger magnets, as demonstrated in the attached photo. These were on sale for my D1, less than $65 for the pair, delivered. Price finally was low enough for me to experiment. First test drive passed with flying colors. Will follow up if that changes. Hope this is helpful. Rare earth minerals rock!

New ABS sensor has stronger magnet

 

Kinda strange, these don't look at all similar to the replacement sensors I bought. The ones in the photo look 2-3x longer.

Are these for the rear or something?

 

Sorry for the confusing information. The photo shows D1 sensors. Just sharing the information due to similar failure mode (weak magnetism) for old D2 sensors. The D2 sensors form is indeed quite different. Hopefully still useful information.

 

I am curious as to why this wouldn't show up on 3 amigos . No code for faulty sensors ??

 

Correct, there was no code for faulty sensors, since the old sensors worked fine at normal road speeds. It was only at very low speed (think turning at an intersection, or maneuvering in a parking lot, or off-roading) that the signal from a sensor dropped to zero, so the system interpreted that as the tire skidding, which is a "normal" condition that the ABS is watching out for. Hence, no error code. Rather there was lots of driver discomfort (think please stop, please, please, please...)

 

Interesting......so I might as well ask , then , at what RPM does the speed sensor activate the brakes to stop "free wheeling " ? For example: If you are off roading , and you have two wheels in the air , and they are spinning , at what point will the brake be applied to those spinning wheels ?

 

So, maybe we need a point of clarification. ABS = Anti-lock Brake System. This works to Release the brake on the wheel that is skidding = not turning = zero rpm. So the truck can tend to keep going even if the brake pedal is being pressed. Usually around 5 mph = very slow.

Automatic Traction Control is what can apply braking to a freewheeling wheel, in order to apply torque to the opposite wheel. I don't know how that logic works, but learned that manually applying brake and gas can help move some torque to the planted wheels.

 

So , I am not sure what wheel speed sensors have to do with braking . ABS only works when you apply brakes . Right ? But , in Traction Control , wheel speed sensors are used to apply brakes ?

 

Yes, correct on both counts. Could be the controller is looking for wheel speeds on an axle to be nearly equal most of the time. ABS if one wheel is zero rpm right after the brake pedal is pressed, then release the brake on the zero wheel so it stops skidding. Traction control could apply the brake on the wheel(s) that is spinning too fast. Lots of computer logic counting and timing pulses from the wheel speed sensors, and comparing all the wheels. All happening very fast to make it work.

 

Good stuff to know.

It hadn’t occurred t me that the magnets either lose strength or aren’t strong enough.

That said, ABS kicking in on slow speed turns like this isn’t really a D2 problem is it? It’s a D1 issue only. I’ve encountered it in D1’s, and it’s somewhat terrifying ... btw. Great way to drive off a ledge when it happens.