How to test front speed sensors that are built into the wheel hub assembly on a 1996 buick riviera using a multimeter

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Inside automatic transmission assembly.
Wheel Speed Sensor-LF On left front wheel hub assembly.
Wheel Speed Sensor-RF On right front wheel hub assembly.
Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) - LR Attached to left rear wheel hub.
Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) - RR Attached right rear wheel hub

The wheel or parts connected to the wheel could be worn out. A front-end alignment and inspection is your best bet for finding the problem. It is a front suspension issue and a good front-end specialist is the best person to check for worn out parts.

There are some issues in front hub clearance which take a little more in depth inspection and proper tools to perform the inspection. There are several moving parts and you would need to know what to look for.

Very common problem. The MOST LIKELY cause is that you have a front wheel speed sensor that is not working properly. This could be due to a bad front wheel bearing assembly or it could be a wiring problem. GM has had a LOT of problems with the wiring harnesses. A company named "DORMAN" makes a harness repair kit. (See picture below) The Dorman part number is: Part Number: 970-041 The wheel speed sensor itself and the wheel bearing come as a complete "HUB" assembly. The wheel bearing should be checked for looseness and the speed sensor should be tested at the speed sensor connector for AC voltage output when the wheel is spinning. If the bearing or the sensor is bad, then you must replace the hub assembly. If this is the case, I recommend using the "Timken" hub assemblies. They are more expensive, but are much better quality. I have had many problems using the cheaper brands. (See picture below) If the wheel bearing and sensor is OK, then the harness should be replaced. You will have to scan your Antilock Brake System (ABS) module to find out which one is causing the light to come on. As far as cost...it depends on exacltly WHAT it needs and WHO is doing the job. There also may be more than one speed sensor giving you problems. Your best bet is to get it diagnosed and get an estimate of repairs. If they try to sell you a hub assembly, ASK them if they actually TESTED the speed sensor. MOST mechanics out there will just throw a speed sensor (hub assembly) at the problem if they have a speed sensor code, only to find out later that the problem is in the harness. Of course, the customer is the one who ends up paying for their incompetence when this happens.
SPEED SENSOR WIRING HARNESS REPAIR KIT


WHEEL BEARING, SPEED SENSOR AND HUB ASSEMBLY

Front (4 Wheel Drive) To Remove:

1. Raise and support the vehicle
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Tire and wheel assembly
   • Rotor (See: Disc Brake Rotor)
   • Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt from the steering knuckle
   • Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor
   • Front drive halfshaft assembly (See: Halfshaft)
   • Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts 4WD front hub
     
     
   • Hub and bearing assembly

To Install:

1. Clean all corrosion or contaminates from the steering knuckle bore and the hub and bearing assembly
2. Lubricate the steering knuckle bore with wheel bearing grease or the equivalent
3. Install or connect the following:
   • Hub and bearing assembly
   • Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts and tighten the hub to knuckle bolts; Torque to: 133 ft. lbs. (180 Nm)
   • Front drive halfshaft assembly (See: Halfshaft)
   • Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor
   • Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt to the steering knuckle and tighten the bolt; Torque to: 106 inch. lbs. (12 Nm)
   • Rotor (See: Disc Brake Rotor
   • Tire and wheel assembly
   Wheel lug nut tightening sequence
   
   
4. Torque the lug nuts to specification
5. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the repairs

Replace the hub assembly which can be bought for $58 to $100 from various sources.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Place jackstands under the cradle and lower the vehicle slightly so the weight of the vehicle rests on the jackstands and not on the control arms.
3. Remove the wheel assembly.
4. Insert a drift punch into the rotor and remove the hub nut/washer.
5. Remove the brake caliper, support and the rotor.
6. Using the front hub spindle remover tool, separate the halfshaft from the hub.
7. Remove the hub/bearing assembly-to-steering knuckle bolts and the hub/bearing assembly. To install:
   
8. If replacing the seal, drive the seal towards the engine. Cut the seal off the halfshaft; be careful not to damage the halfshaft boot. NOTE: If the speed sensor bracket is removed or loosened from the steering knuckle, the speed sensor gap must be adjusted. If the speed sensor is removed from the bracket, speed sensor wax must be applied to the sensor before it is reinstalled in the bracket. Failure to apply the wax will permit corrosion and may result in sensor failure.
   
9. To install the new grease seal, lubricate the with wheel bearing grease and using the hub seal installer tool, install the seal.
10. Install the hub/bearing assembly-to-steering knuckle bolts and the hub/bearing assembly. Tighten the hub/bearing assembly-to-steering knuckle bolts to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
11. Install the halfshaft to the hub.
12. Install the rotor and caliper.
13. Install the hub nut and washer. Tighten to 183 ft. lbs. (245 Nm).
14. Install the wheel assembly.
15. Remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Tire and wheel assembly Caliper and rotor Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt from the steering knuckle Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor Front drive halfshaft assembly on four wheel drive models Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts Hub and bearing assembly O-ring seal from the steering knuckle bore (2500 series)
   
3. Clean and inspect the O-ring seal

To install:

1. Clean all corrosion or contaminates from the steering knuckle bore and the hub and bearing assembly.
2. Install the O-ring to the steering knuckle (2500 series).
3. Lubricate the steering knuckle bore with wheel bearing grease or the equivalent.
4. Install or connect the following:
   
   Hub and bearing assembly Hub and bearing assembly mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 133 ft. lbs. (180 Nm). Front drive halfshaft assembly on four wheel drive models Electrical connection for the wheel speed sensor Wheel speed sensor and brake hose mounting bracket bolt to the steering knuckle. Tighten to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Rotor Tire and wheel assembly.

You can go to autozone.com and register for free online repair manual with everything you need.

2001 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4L SFI DOHC 4cyl

Vehicle Speed Sensor - Location:
The speed sensors are built right into the wheel bearings of your vehicle, at the front and rear locations. They work both with the anti-lock brakes and with the traction control systems on the vehicle.

Removal & Installation
Front
The front wheel speed sensor is part of the hub/bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub and Bearing Replacement in Front Suspension for service procedures.
Rear
The rear wheel speed sensor is part of the hub/bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub and Bearing Replacement in Rear Suspension for service procedures.

I hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Have a nice day, good luck.

2001 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4L SFI DOHC 4cyl

Vehicle Speed Sensor - Location:
The speed sensors are built right into the wheel bearings of your vehicle, at the front and rear locations. They work both with the anti-lock brakes and with the traction control systems on the vehicle.

Removal & Installation
Front
The front wheel speed sensor is part of the hub/bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub and Bearing Replacement in Front Suspension for service procedures.
Rear
The rear wheel speed sensor is part of the hub/bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub and Bearing Replacement in Rear Suspension for service procedures.

I hope help you with this (remember rated this help) Have a nice day, good luck.

For starters you need to find out which wheel is causing the fault. secondly some wheel speed sensors are built in to the wheel hub assembly, to identify what style you have depending if its in the front or rear.
look behind the wheel where the CV axle goes into the hub , the wire for the speed sensor will either go into a black fitting with 2 torx screws OR go directly into the hub. If the wire goes directly into the hub you will need to replace the entire Wheel Hub Assembly. if the wire goes into a fitting style you can just replace the sensor itself.


Hope this helps.

The ABS sensors are located in the bearing wheel hub assembly, "normally" these sensor's cannot be removed on most models but it may be possible on yours....This will require removing the tire, brake caliper and possibly the bearing hub....One thing you can do is carefully inspect the wiring going down to your wheel bearings, if you find damaged or frayed wiring or your connections look bad, you will end up most likely replacing the hub assembly. These are normally about 75-100 dollars each and they are not hard to replace yourself if you are somewhat handy with a wrench. A dealer can tell you which sensor is giving you the trouble, or maybe Pep Boys or some auto parts stores may be able to help in this way too. Most times this ABS light you have on is also associated with the "Trac Off" light on all the time too.