Hi,

I have had an intermittent issue with ABS cutting in for a while on my 1.2 Stilo, at first only at low speed. Lately it started cutting in on every journey and usually I get the ABS warning beep mid-trip and then no more problems since the ABS is disabled until car is restarted.

(I have had to disconnect one of the sensors at the moment to make it safer to drive as ABS was extending stopping distances.)

I bought a cable and ran FiatECUScan which says the front right sensor is to blame so I replaced the sensor which didnt solve the problem - its just the same.

Ive also cleaned all the electrical connectors under the bonnet and the C12 earth etc

From reading on here it looks like it could be:

Dirty/Damaged Sensor (now cleaned and replaced)
ABS Reluctor Ring Damaged - is it possible to get to this to visually check it or clean it up? - If so how I tried sticking a paintbrush in the sensor hole and rotating but is there a way to get access to clean/check?
ECU Problem (hope not)
ABS Pump Problem (hope not)
Replacement Bearing with ring needed - (if too damaged?)

I have a multimeter so if someone could explain how to test the sensor/ring - i understand that you can kind of count the teeth on the ring on the mm somehow.

Or any other suggestions of what to try would be much appreciated as MOT is coming soon... Thanks

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm sure the ABS sensor is incorporated into the wheel bearing and is very sensitive.

How did you replace the sensor/bearing?

Hi Shadey.

The sensor just unscrews and removes - it pokes down a hole looking at what I assume is a toothed ring but I'm not sure how to get to it to check/clean it up...

pic of sensor should be below

Oh sorry, its late and I'm having trouble sleeping. :bang:

The ABS sensor on each wheel is a two part device.

The wheel bearing contains the other half of the device, they are powerful magnets that the ABS sensor detects as the wheel turns. These magnets can become loose so the actual sensor(in your photo) is unable to detect them. I'm pretty sure that is whats happened to your car.

If you purchase the bearing already fitted into a hub they are quite easy to fit.

Thanks but I don't think I have the tools or expertise to replace the whole wheel bearing though. Does that mean theres no way to visibly check the ring? Would it be worth trying a clean with compressed air via sensor hole?

steviestilo said:

Thanks but I don't think I have the tools or expertise to replace the whole wheel bearing though. Does that mean theres no way to visibly check the ring? Would it be worth trying a clean with compressed air via sensor hole?

Click to expand...

Shadeyman said:

If you purchase the bearing already fitted into a hub they are quite easy to fit.

Click to expand...

Like I said earlier, buy the wheel bearing already fitted into the hub and replace the hub and bearing, they're not too expensive and they're quite easy to fit. No need to mess about with the actual bearing so less chance of it being damaged when its installed.

You could try cleaning it but I doubt it would make much difference, might be worth a try.

Sounds good, what sort of tools would I need to replace the hub. (will see if I can find a guide on here) any suggestions where to get a replacement? Used? Breakers?

Thanks for all your help.

Deffinately not used. :nono:

Cheap replacement parts are better than used.

I've found the bearing on Shop4Parts but can't seem to find one thats already in the hub.

Bearing Kit
http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=details&ProdId=2418&sku=6453

Hub/Flange
http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=634&sku=2273

May be the front is not like the rear and the bearing can be replaced easily without the hub ??

i've found a o/s/f "hub assembly" a few places - would this be what you're suggesting....?

I guess once I've found have the replacement part in front of me it'll be fairly self explanatory looking at it how to fit... I have plenty of spanners & sockets etc

As you plan to remove and clean it to see if that will cure it you also have a good opportunity to explore what is invloved in replacing the bearing ..

Edit.
I'm an idiot.

The ABS bearing that needs replacing is in the Steering Knuckle not the hub on the front, its not like the rear.

And yes it is a pig of a job as the bearing has to be pressed in.

steviestilo said:

i've found a o/s/f "hub assembly" a few places - would this be what you're suggesting....?

Click to expand...

Not ideal but if it cures the problem untill you can find someone to press in a new bearing into your original.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260956939561

you mean not ideal because the bearing may not have much life left? .... it's certainly fits my budget..... Tempted to buy it and have a go - I can always give up & head to garage with tail between legs if needed

Not ideal because it may be no better than the one you already have.

But it will give you time to save up and make having a new bearing fitted cheaper as you can just take the Knuckle and new bearing into the garage and ask them to press it in for you, then refit it to the car yourself.

Anyone know what the cost of a new hub assembly with bearing fitted would be, I'm assuming it's likely to be £100+ as the bearing is about £40-50 on its own

And where to get one.....?

Peat said:

I don't know where the term "knuckle" came from (probably an Italian mistranslation) but I do know you are refering to the front hub assembly!

Click to expand...

You call it a "Hub Assembly".

ePER calls it a "Pillar"(part number: 50701138 - £245).

eLearn calls it a "Steering Knuckle".

I call it a "Metal Thingy".

Either way I'm still comfused. steviestilo, when you do take it apart would you mind taking some photo's as I'd like to see the individual components so I can get a better understanding of how it works ..

By the way purchasing the "Metal Thingy"(50701138 - £245) and "Bearing Kit"(71714459 - £85) from Fiat is expensive.

I have the same fault C1042 in my diesel engine. Fault appears 3-5 times a year while slow driving (60km/h). Somebody resolved this problem?