The 2008 Ford Escape ABS speed sensor pickups count the "tone ring" teeth to monitor wheel speed. The tone rings are mounted to the inboard side of the axle. If you crank the front wheels full left or right you can easily see the tone wheels or slide under the car to see all four. The problem is the axle rusts and the expansion causes the tone ring to crack and then become loose. If your Escape is doing weird things, brakes being applied randomly and ABS light going off and on, check for a loose tone ring, it's easy to check, the spin easily if loose. Replacing them is a pain unless you are a fairly experienced mechanic and have a decent puller. I replaced one of mine. The rest I soaked down with rust inhibitor. If you do that be careful not to get any on the brakes. Been good for a couple years almost.
The ABS tone ring on the Escape is a known problem, the new ring is a different material. Ford should make this a recall-- If your escape feels like it loses braking at the stop sign, chances are it has a failed tone ring. Everyone I know that owns an Escape close to 2008 model has had theirs replaced.It's not covered under your warranty...the part is $6.00 the repair cost is $150.00 Canadian...or more.. Not a difficult repair if you are handy..
- Phil S.,
Sarnia, ON, Canada
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I've been through 4 sets of ABS Tone Rings already .. Seems like these parts keep failing!
- adriano, Toronto, ON, canada