CV boot->ABS sensor->S/S brake lines

Thought I'd start a new thread since this has gotten more complicated....

Mechanic discovered a torn passenger side CV boot yesterday while installing the Rocky Road SuperSliders. Didn't have any odd noises or anything.
Check out that large lump of grease below it.
Left it there for him to fix, didn't want to drive with the torn boot.

Any estimate how long it's been this way?
Maybe I tore it in Moab? If so, I've driven it for about 550 miles since.


~Now, mech guy says I need a new front pass ABS sensor cuz I think he meant it was trashed getting the CV boot repaired. (?? is that reasonable?)

~I call junkyards (from my handy dandy spreadsheet list), on FIRST call to the closest yard just 75 miles away, find one off a '98 Trooper, Have mech speak to yard to make sure it's right part--> yes, $65 shipped. (ebay shows some new non-OEM for over $400 :freek:) Hope to gawd this is the right part....and it fits.....and in good condition.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Stand...Q5fAccessories


~Well, he!!, let's just get those S/S braided brake lines I've been wanting while they're in there....:rollo:...talked to Matt, got a set 2 day shipped to shop, arrive Friday. Matt said these lines are above the axle and he can't see them being affected by the Kilby skids at all.....good!

Let's hope this all goes smoothly....
Any input or warnings/info is most welcomed!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../DSC_82831.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../DSC_82811.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da.../DSC_82921.jpg



Driver's side- looks OK.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC_8289.jpg

Oh-Oh...:uhohgray:

Sue,

I had to have my drivers side axle seal redone right before Moab, and the mechanics trashed the ABS sensor when they tried to take it off to get the rotor out of the way so they could get to the axle.

The sensors are little magnets that sense the "tone ring" as it spins by on the back of the front rotor. The sensors are made out of platic and are notorious for "welding" themselves to their mounting holes over time. I actually had a new one shipped to The Stoop, and replaced mine right there in the parking lot on that Monday. The sensors are something like $400 so I was NOT happy when the mechanics trashed mine.

I suppose one from a u-pull-it yard would work, but the problem would be getting it off of the vehicle it's attached to without trashing it in the process.

Sue, Sounds like the mechanic didn't follow the easy "how to" on this site.
If you follow that, you don't touch the ABS sensor or ring, and do the boot change in half the time.

I wouldn't worry about how long ago it tore - the grease around the torn boot looks fresh and hasn't had an opportunity to build up dust and crud, so your CV should be fine.

Time to do the other side as well - both wheels have turned the same number of turns.

PK

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PK

Sue, Sounds like the mechanic didn't follow the easy "how to" on this site.
If you follow that, you don't touch the ABS sensor or ring, and do the boot change in half the time.

:mado::mado::mado:.....there's definitely some down sides to having a "rare unique" vehicle...doesn't excuse him not figuring it out/looking it up/being more careful.....

I wouldn't worry about how long ago it tore - the grease around the torn boot looks fresh and hasn't had an opportunity to build up dust and crud, so your CV should be fine.

Good point, have to admit I didn't even think of that.....all that tan/orange stuff you see everywhere is from the dirt road...and there's NONE on the grease...:_thinking...could I have been so lucky that it blew in the 9 mile drive up there?? Must be!

Time to do the other side as well - both wheels have turned the same number of turns...... yeah, good advice..better call him tomorrow and add that to the list......:rollo:

PK

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Mark I do recall now you were installing that in the Stoop fix-it-lot...did you buy new OEM or aftermarket new?

Thanks all for the input! :thumbup:

$400 for an ABS exciter ring?!?!?! WTF!

See my post in the other thread. Boots are a under $50 fix for all 4 (for parts and do the labor yourself).

If mechanic charged you more than 2 hours labor he was doing it wrong. If I can do one side in an hour with my limited tools, there is no way they can't do better, that is unless they have no idea what they are doing and ruin a perfectly good ABS sensor. This is their fault for not knowing how to remove the parts. I had a mechanic tell me the same thing before I knew any better. The idiot mechanic on my VX put a gear puller on the rear axles and kept pulling until he crushed the ABS sensor in half instead of removing the 2 10mm bolts that hold the ABS sensor in place and then the rear axle just slides out easily (no puller necessary). Removing and/or touching the ABS sensor is not involved with CV Boot repair. I got my replacement ABS sensor from Lisa (VXCrazy), thanks again Lisa! I betcha she has the fronts still in case yours doesn't work out. Oh and by the way I drove with the ruined ABS sensor in place with no noticable difference in braking at all :-) In fact braking was better because ABS was not working. This is the only car that I think "they" somehow got the ABS wrong on :-)

Oh and I don't think I would personally fix the other CV until it breaks. Isuzu cv boots are the only ones superior to all others for our vehicles.

I need to check with 'Axle Guy'. He just finished rebuilding my half shafts. He said that the boots were hard to find but put some on that look at least as good as the OEM. I think he said that they were about $20 each.

May be a good alternative for those not lifted or those lifted with diff drops. Don't think I'd put them on though if the CV angles are bad.

I trashed both my ABS sensors when I rebuilt mine and they were WELDED in place for sure. OME ones from Merlin are in the 400.00 range but I found a nice one from a salvage yard in California and itr was in perfect shape. Check the vendor area, which is how I got their contact info. I am currently riding around without a passenger side sensor as I have been too lazy to round one up. I took my dremel too and slightly sanded the hole where the sensor passes through and applied a good supply of anti-seize to the sensor. I seriously doubt it will weld itself again. :smilewink

And FYI... the retail price from Merin on the rear sensor(s) was 1600.00 so be very afraid when dealing with those puppies!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

Mark I do recall now you were installing that in the Stoop fix-it-lot...did you buy new OEM or aftermarket new?

Thanks all for the input! :thumbup:

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Sue, the mechanics felt bad about trashing the sensor so they gave it to me at their cost (still $380ish) with no mark-up, and since I installed it myself there was no labor involved. The part you buy is actually the sensor, it's wire up to the connection right behind the top of the shock, and two or three brackets that hold the wire out of the way. It's still a rediculously expensive part for what it is AND I ended up removing (and reinstalling) one of the brackets to snake the wire where it needed to go and had to shave down one of the other brackets to get it all to fit in correctly. I didn't think about it, but I should have done what Buffy did so that it wouldn't weld itself in there again. Maybe I should get on that now while it's still fresh.

As a slight thread jack; what would be the "right" thing to do when one of these mechanics breaks something to get at what you wanted them to fix in the first place? Who would have known that the ABS sensor would fuse itself to the front hub assembly, and would break as you try to pull it out? Should they be on the hook to pay for something like that, or is it just expected for some things to go wrong as you get in there to fix other stuff? If I had been doing this repair and trashed the ABS sensor I would have had to buy a new one, but if they trash it should they pay for it?:_confused I'm a little up in the air about it.

I think it depends on the shop and the circumstance.

If it was a dealer at dealer rates, I'd expect them to fix it an no cost to me, because they should be familiar with vehicle and it's quirks. Who's say if part of the expense wasn't included win the original pricing or that they didn't make a mistake in how they went about their work? If they had advised me ahead of time that they might not be able to get it out I'd be more understanding.

On the other hand if they discovered something else wrong during a repair. I'd expect to pay for that.

I hate confrontation......this is killing me.....I'm right there with your thoughts Mark.... There's other factors to consider here for me....small town, fewer choices, still need a good place for the FJ and GX, excellent referrals, specializes in off road, has several off road rigs and sand rails....no, he's never seen a VX before mine....has a newer younger guy working for him....maybe he did it?....don't want to get him in trouble.....think I'll accept that kuka happens, BUT call them and address how we're going to handle the DRIVER's side boot replacement...

With our super DRY environment...would it be GOOD idea to pony up for the OEM boots if they're higher quality and "might" last longer in this low humidity?? (I'm talkin' LOW humidity...dining room table cracked after 4 months here, discovered yesterday wooden/bamboo pitcher & cups are all split...rubber dries out bad here...why I love 303 so much!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

I hate confrontation......this is killing me.....I'm right there with your thoughts Mark.... There's other factors to consider here for me....small town, fewer choices, still need a good place for the FJ and GX, excellent referrals, specializes in off road, has several off road rigs and sand rails....no, he's never seen a VX before mine....has a newer younger guy working for him....maybe he did it?....don't want to get him in trouble.....think I'll accept that kuka happens, BUT call them and address how we're going to handle the DRIVER's side boot replacement...

With our super DRY environment...would it be GOOD idea to pony up for the OEM boots if they're higher quality and "might" last longer in this low humidity?? (I'm talkin' LOW humidity...dining room table cracked after 4 months here, discovered yesterday wooden/bamboo pitcher & cups are all split...rubber dries out bad here...why I love 303 so much!)

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Totally understand everything you said but I would request at least free labor to install the ABS sensor that should not have been touched during the original labor.

As far as Isuzu boots if I was doing the labor personally and did not have any lift I would consider it definitely.

"... pony up for the OEM boots if they're higher quality and "might" last longer in this low humidity??"

Better off asking that chemist guy that putz around yer house alla time.

IIRC dry isn't the enemy of rubber. UV is.

Just talked to Merlin:
Front inner boot x2 = $116.55
Front outer boot x2 = $111.03

Ouch.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

There's other factors to consider here for me....small town, fewer choices, ....BUT call them and address how we're going to handle the DRIVER's side boot replacement...

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Definitely don't let it slide completely. Let them know you understand but are disappointing but make sure they know there are resources available to them.

Possibly take them some of the information from here as other have posted before.

Just an observation in that you take your VX off road and enjoy it. You can buy a cheaper boot and take the chance of how long it will last. Typically the cheaper boots are thinner and thus less durable. I know RockAuto.com has Beck Arnley boots for a reasonable price and are at times Isuzu parts in their box. I used the MechaTech boots on my VX but don't plan on wheeling mine either. If and when they go out I will probably pony up for a better set.

Just my .02 commentary. :smilegray

Sue, I have been running boots I bought from Checkers for over 3 years of lifted abuse and they still looked great when I switched out my axle shafts. I think they were Dorman brand and were about $20ish each.

My guy replaced the inner boot, passenger side with a CarQuest boot. Decided I'm goin' wait on the driver's side for a little while...I'll make an appt, and take the "How To" with me, and try to gently suggest he should be able to replace the inner boot w/o destroying the ABS sensor. HEY LISA....PESSIMISTICALLY PLANNING AHEAD...DO YOU HAVE THE DRIVER'S FRONT ABS SENSOR?....EMAIL ME.....

Glad to hear Roy's front ABS sensor from a Trooper worked for him, prob means my Trooper front ABS sensor will work...

Stainless Steel/kevlar braided lines arrive tomorrow, but prob won't be ready until Tuesday.

Kind of a whacko question, but anybody foresee any problems/issues installing the SS brake lines with the Kilbys or any other issues? Thanks!:thanx::thanx:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

Kind of a whacko question, but anybody foresee any problems/issues installing the SS brake lines with the Kilbys or any other issues? Thanks!:thanx::thanx:

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Should be no problem.

Is it me, or do these look a LOT like mec-A-techs...:confused:

4 for $54. shipped...:_thinking

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VX KAT

My guy replaced the inner boot, passenger side with a CarQuest boot. Decided I'm goin' wait on the driver's side for a little while...I'll make an appt, and take the "How To" with me, and try to gently suggest he should be able to replace the inner boot w/o destroying the ABS sensor. HEY LISA....PESSIMISTICALLY PLANNING AHEAD...DO YOU HAVE THE DRIVER'S FRONT ABS SENSOR?....EMAIL ME.....

Glad to hear Roy's front ABS sensor from a Trooper worked for him, prob means my Trooper front ABS sensor will work...

Stainless Steel/kevlar braided lines arrive tomorrow, but prob won't be ready until Tuesday.

Kind of a whacko question, but anybody foresee any problems/issues installing the SS brake lines with the Kilbys or any other issues? Thanks!:thanx::thanx:

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I replaced my own inner and outer boots and had no problems with the ABS. BUT... just had my tires balanced and rotated and now about every third time I turn the car on, my ABS light comes on. :drama:

I used the same boots that Billy used when I bought my rodeo 6 years ago (just did the outers). No signs of cracking or breaking. Thinner is BETTER on outer boots because they have to flex a lot more then the inner ones. The dorman boots are much more flexible then OEM so hold up very well. I have since put them on 2 more rodeos.

I tried to get my abs sensor out when I first did mine but it wouldnt budge. I didnt try hard enough to break it. Since then I just unplug it and remove the 2 brackets that hold the wires. Only takes about 2 minutes and you dont chance trashing the sensor.

Thanks Dave. I'll look for that brand when I get the other side done.

Mechanic called late Friday, said it was ready, but we were out, so tomorrow's the day....UGH...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ldub

Should be no problem.

Is it me, or do these look a LOT like mec-A-techs...:confused:

4 for $54. shipped...:_thinking

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Dub - It's just you.

Sorry, but you set yourself up for that one:)

Those look similar in material & thickness but it looks like the similarities end there. They are molded to allow the user to cut off sections to match the OD of the Outer Race (green cup). Could be a net benefit to us since I'm sure we would use the largest diameter and that would allow us to use the most effective length causing less stretching during flex.

Hope to be picking up the VX this afternoon & I'll try to get some pix posted of the new boots.

Tom

Phew, it went fine, main guy was at lunch, so young guy checked me out. Got to ask him about the ABS sensor, saying I was trying to plan for the other side. He said they tried to get it out, lightly tapping on it and the surround and then all of a sudden it cracked in half. I'll be sure to discuss removing the 2 bolts when I have the other side done!

Invoice was reasonable....$38 for boot, no labor at all for the CV/ABS stuff!

Plus I've got a box with some extra parts...knuckle, spindle and some other stuff that came with the ABS sensor from the salvage yard. I have to pick up the box another day, so not sure all what's in it.

Hmmmm, :_thinking looks like not everybody pays $400 - $500 for a new ABS sensor....wonder why this is so cheap....granted it's not an OEM brand, but are there even any non-OEM sensors for our VX?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...ht_9027wt_1167

sent a question if he had one that would work with ours.

no luck with him,sent part # and all he said was they were expensive, oh well.