ABS Light on 24/7 after wheel bearing replacement

[CH0SiiN1]

ABS Light on 24/7 after a wheel bearing replacement.
If mechanic installed backwards the speed sensors and magnets in the bearing wont get a read.. Does this stop the whole system from working?(thats the only answer I couldn't find via google search) The mechanic told me that it will fix it self but its been a month or two, light remains on, clearly thats not happening, possible damaged sensor is definitely not ruled out too.. So my main two questions are since the bearing is pressed in can it be removed and installed without being damaged? (if installed backwards) And if a sensor is damaged or can't get a read, does the whole system stop working? (I think its obvious but want to be sure before bringing it in)
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Cory.

[dentinger]

we just had this problem a couple times at work the other week, first was on a mazda3, and the mechanic noticed he had the wrong part prior to installing it.
the second, was on a new mercedes GL55, and after the install, the ABS remained on. the mechanic had to flip the bearing.

it is possible to save the old bearing, flip it, and press it back in. it's just a lot trickier. since it's been a couple months, this may not be the cause, unfortuntely.
every time ive replaced a bearing, the ABS light goes off by the time i park the car.
and like you said, it may be the sensor too. if your light is on, you shouldnt have ABS.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

The ABS light WILL NOT fix itself if it is in backwards. The light on means there is a problem and the ABS on your car will not work, but regular brakes will.

Like said above, you can save it but its more than likely you will need a new bearing. Go back the you mechanic and have him fix the problem. Then get a new mechanic for saying it will fix itself. :bang

[CH0SiiN1]

Thought so.. thanks guys, just wanted to be sure.
Much appreciated :)

[CH0SiiN1]

After my diagnostics test.. shows both front wheel sensors have a trouble code, now I'm getting worried lol is it possible that the wiring would create this issue?.. Even the mechanic is kind of stumped, could take hours to diagnose he says. This was not the same guy I went to originally, apparently he does not work where I brought it to anymore.. hmmmmm.. they told me to bring it back when shop foreman is there during the week, he's a so-called mazda expert.
They told me that its not likely the wheel bearing put in backwards would cause codes on both sensors, but not to rule it out of course. They said its possible that one bad sensor or wire could conflict with the other side.

So if anyone knows anything about this or has gone through this please let me know, again it will be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks so much,

Cory.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

They said its possible that one bad sensor or wire could conflict with the other side.

I think not. Its not hard to diagnose an ABS system. If you tech is stumped, I would worry.

Sounds like all they have done is scan the codes and not diagnose the problem.

Could be a bad sensor.
Bad wiring.
Sensor out of alignment.
Bearings in wrong.

It does take time to check it out properly.

[McGuyver_3]

you've waited 1-2 months?
the light will shut itself off within the first 5 minutes or less of driving
It sounds like the place you took it to does not want to fess up to a mistake.

[Flagrum_3]

you've waited 1-2 months?
the light will shut itself off within the first 5 minutes or less of driving
It sounds like the place you took it to does not want to fess up to a mistake.

+1

[peterm15]

you've waited 1-2 months?
the light will shut itself off within the first 5 minutes or less of driving
It sounds like the place you took it to does not want to fess up to a mistake.

+2.

Trust "Mc Guyver"

[CH0SiiN1]

+2.

Trust "Mc Guyver"

I do, thanks guys.. I see what this garage is doing and won't be bringing my car there, even if they own up to it.. I waited so long because of my wifes and my scheduling, (we work opposite shifts) we never had a chance to follow up on this, and the so called mechanic was a family friend who seemed like he was doing us a favor (cheap rates) but now has vanished, apparently moved to Alberta (after doing some digging around).. Looks like the saying "you get what you pay for" really comes into play here. We also have 3 daugters so are money has been tight with 2 birthdays and saving for Christmas during these times. So now we will start saving to have the issue cleared up, just wish I lived closer to GTA to bring it to trustworthy mechanics on this site(if I have to I will). I was pretty sure that the bearing was put in backwards, they told me that was impossible, that theres a shim to prevent that from happening, now after doing some research I see thats not true and a few shops I went to told me in all honesty that its happened within their shops and not to rule it out.. But now I got error codes on both front sensors, could this be due to one bad bearing? or is it a combonation of things? Like wiring/bearing.. sensors/wiring.. sensors/bearing, etc.
I hope the bearing was put in correctly and its just the sensors, that would be awesome.. but with my luck probably not.. lesson learned.

Thanks everyone for your answers, I hope to get it resolved soon and if anyone can help with this for a reasonable rate I don't mind travelling ;)

[McGuyver_3]

Just to clarify, your abs light was not on prior to bearing replacement correct?
The bearing on backwards would throw a fault for the wheel where it is on backwards and should not cause the opposite side to have faults. It could however throw a possible "implausible signal" code which could make sense. As for the bearing in backwards it may or may not be saveable depending on how the hub is in the bearing. The ones at work either all come as 1 assembly or the hub is pressed in the bearing in which case is not saveable as when the hub comes out it pulls the bearing apart. The ridge that you were told about is indeed true there is a ridge on most bearings except they are to indicate inside and outside.

[CH0SiiN1]

Correct, the abs light was not on prior to the bearing being replaced. After the bearing replacement the light came on almost immediatly after I pulled away from the shop, called them as soon as I got home.. I should have turned the car around as soon as it came on and made them deal with it, during the call they told me it should fix it self, if not it would need a reset, now when I bring it up to them, after following their instuctions and waiting it out.. they act like I damaged it and trying to get free work done.. I told them they were retarded for even thinking I would let them touch my car again and this call is just to inform them that I now know the type of people they are and will not be advising any of my car buddies to go there

[McGuyver_3]

I agree the fact that you are irritated with the shop but at the same time, regardless family friend/good rate or not, you should take it back to them and make them fix it with NO CHARGE TO YOU. If they did break a sensor or you do need a new wheel bearing(lets not forget the labor) that is unnecesary cost to you that you already payed.

[Flagrum_3]

I agree the fact that you are irritated with the shop but at the same time, regardless family friend/good rate or not, you should take it back to them and make them fix it with NO CHARGE TO YOU. If they did break a sensor or you do need a new wheel bearing(lets not forget the labor) that is unnecesary cost to you that you already payed.

I agree with McGuyver again, you should allow the original shop the opportunity to put things straight, but at no cost to you!...It could simply be the ABS was not connected properly after the bearing replacement for all we know.

_3

[TheMAN]

I do, thanks guys.. I see what this garage is doing and won't be bringing my car there, even if they own up to it.. I waited so long because of my wifes and my scheduling, (we work opposite shifts) we never had a chance to follow up on this, and the so called mechanic was a family friend who seemed like he was doing us a favor (cheap rates) but now has vanished, apparently moved to Alberta (after doing some digging around).. Looks like the saying "you get what you pay for" really comes into play here. We also have 3 daugters so are money has been tight with 2 birthdays and saving for Christmas during these times. So now we will start saving to have the issue cleared up, just wish I lived closer to GTA to bring it to trustworthy mechanics on this site(if I have to I will). I was pretty sure that the bearing was put in backwards, they told me that was impossible, that theres a shim to prevent that from happening, now after doing some research I see thats not true and a few shops I went to told me in all honesty that its happened within their shops and not to rule it out.. But now I got error codes on both front sensors, could this be due to one bad bearing? or is it a combonation of things? Like wiring/bearing.. sensors/wiring.. sensors/bearing, etc.
I hope the bearing was put in correctly and its just the sensors, that would be awesome.. but with my luck probably not.. lesson learned.

Thanks everyone for your answers, I hope to get it resolved soon and if anyone can help with this for a reasonable rate I don't mind travelling ;)

We all have busy schedules, but your biggest mistake was not letting the shop know (by phone) there was an issue and it'll be a while before you can see them.... waiting so long with no communication, no matter the reasons will make them think/say that it is a new unrelated issue

I've been burned many times on the "family friend"/cheap labour thing... if the price is way below average, there's a good reason for it! corners are cut somewhere! I've spent thousands undoing these F ups this guy did to my cars... need less to say, I don't go to his shop any more... I either do everything myself or enlist the help of a good friend whom I worked with at my dealer before if I need extra hands.... granted, this isn't an option for most people, so you're better off going to a much reputable shop that's honest, uses quality parts and does proper work