E36 M3 ABS problem

[djhowie]

Hi everyone, Hope someone can shed some light on this problem for me.

I recently changed the front discs and pads for aftermaket items. Ive done about 500 miles with no problems until now. All of a sudden the ABS light has been coming on after a short distance. The car is due to go in for some warranty work on the rear suspension bushes but I dont know whether to mention about the ABS light in case they wont cover it due to using non BMW parts on the brakes,,, even though clearly the ABS sensors are not in direct contact with either disc or pad.

Is there any way of me testing each of the ABS sensors off the car with a meter to see if I can remedy the problem prior to me taking it into the dealer.

Thanks in advance
Howie

[saltshaker185]

Originally Posted by djhowie

Hi everyone, Hope someone can shed some light on this problem for me.

I recently changed the front discs and pads for aftermaket items. Ive done about 500 miles with no problems until now. All of a sudden the ABS light has been coming on after a short distance. The car is due to go in for some warranty work on the rear suspension bushes but I dont know whether to mention about the ABS light in case they wont cover it due to using non BMW parts on the brakes,,, even though clearly the ABS sensors are not in direct contact with either disc or pad.

Is there any way of me testing each of the ABS sensors off the car with a meter to see if I can remedy the problem prior to me taking it into the dealer.

Thanks in advance
Howie

they arnt going to bitch you out for trading out the stock brakes... they probibly have done the same on thier rides... id ask if they would check for you anyways... and if they dont? then just get a different mechanic on the side... i dont think theres anyway you can check for yourself...

[boostinsixtwintturbo]

Originally Posted by djhowie

Hi everyone, Hope someone can shed some light on this problem for me.

I recently changed the front discs and pads for aftermaket items. Ive done about 500 miles with no problems until now. All of a sudden the ABS light has been coming on after a short distance. The car is due to go in for some warranty work on the rear suspension bushes but I dont know whether to mention about the ABS light in case they wont cover it due to using non BMW parts on the brakes,,, even though clearly the ABS sensors are not in direct contact with either disc or pad.

Is there any way of me testing each of the ABS sensors off the car with a meter to see if I can remedy the problem prior to me taking it into the dealer.

Thanks in advance
Howie

Hello, I gathered this information from my expirience and thetrusty book. I have been in this situation before, non BMW.
i have some things here but may or may not help. Theres 2 versions of ABS systems on E36's. Earlier models use a Teves Mark IV G ABS. LAter models use
Teves Mark 20-1 ABS. The difference of both is that the later model integrates the ABS contorl module into the hydraulic unit as a single component. So basically you cant trouble shoot that part.
But , if you can, check for each ABS speed sensor thats on each wheel well, and check and see if its corroded , dirty or frayed or broken. Thats the easiest. You can repair broken wires.
You can remove the speed sensors and clean them with carb cleaner or similar. And check the tip of the speed sensor.

Also check the gap of the sensors to the toothed wheel hub.

Check the pulse sensor harness also. And coat it with some Molykote grease or something similar to it.

Hope this helps and if it doesnt then have it check at the dealer.

Cheers.