Need ABS Help
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Need ABS Help
I've reviewed many of the ABS threads and found that most end up dead ended with no report on what the problem was. I'm hoping I can get some help here with my issue.
I flushed my brake fluid using speed bleeders and am very confident I have not introduced any air into the system.
I then installed some new custom wheels that came with the ABS bearings pre-installed, replaced the brake pads and now my ABS light stays flashing.
I have verified twice now that the bearings are installed with the green side facing out and are on the correct side of the wheel. I have also verified my sensors are installed correctly.
When I unplug each sensor one at a time the light stays on solid, and returns to flashing when plugged back in. This tells me the ABS module is recognizing them.
When I check for fault codes using my SEPST, there are none showing.
I hate the thought of taking it to the dealer to have them mess around with it to the tune of several hundred dollars.
Any thoughts?
I flushed my brake fluid using speed bleeders and am very confident I have not introduced any air into the system.
I then installed some new custom wheels that came with the ABS bearings pre-installed, replaced the brake pads and now my ABS light stays flashing.
I have verified twice now that the bearings are installed with the green side facing out and are on the correct side of the wheel. I have also verified my sensors are installed correctly.
When I unplug each sensor one at a time the light stays on solid, and returns to flashing when plugged back in. This tells me the ABS module is recognizing them.
When I check for fault codes using my SEPST, there are none showing.
I hate the thought of taking it to the dealer to have them mess around with it to the tune of several hundred dollars.
Any thoughts?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Very difficult to say and I am by no means anything like an expert.
I do design and commission complex control systems. If I were to speculate (stress speculate) I would suggest it is more likely related to your flushing / bleeding process.
If the fault is showing up during initialisation and before the bike is moving then I can't think how it could be detecting a faulty bearing (although in this case the bearing case is working as part of your feedback device).
The bearing, together with the sensor, provide speed feedback for the control system, where rate of change of speed is used to detect a lockup. If the bike hasn't moved yet then how can a check take place? Removing the sensor can trigger an error as there is no surface that it can reflect off of.
If the system was showing as healthy but then alarming as soon as you set off then I would suspect the bearing.
Again, I must stress, this is total speculation
I do design and commission complex control systems. If I were to speculate (stress speculate) I would suggest it is more likely related to your flushing / bleeding process.
If the fault is showing up during initialisation and before the bike is moving then I can't think how it could be detecting a faulty bearing (although in this case the bearing case is working as part of your feedback device).
The bearing, together with the sensor, provide speed feedback for the control system, where rate of change of speed is used to detect a lockup. If the bike hasn't moved yet then how can a check take place? Removing the sensor can trigger an error as there is no surface that it can reflect off of.
If the system was showing as healthy but then alarming as soon as you set off then I would suspect the bearing.
Again, I must stress, this is total speculation
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
When I ride the bike the light remains flashing. It normally clears after you have travelled a short distance and the system checks that the signals are rational.
I am wondering if one of the bearings is bad?
Does anyone know how to check?
The brakes work perfectly and are not the least bit spongy.
I am confident there is no air in the system.
Even if there was, I don't know how the ABS module would know.
I am wondering if one of the bearings is bad?
Does anyone know how to check?
The brakes work perfectly and are not the least bit spongy.
I am confident there is no air in the system.
Even if there was, I don't know how the ABS module would know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,885
Likes: 0
From: Chicago area
I hate ABS that give issue like this. It really should be simple. But due to electronics (if A don't like B) Your Forked.
I disable my ABS when they act-up but on cages. My old ride never had them.
I disable my ABS when they act-up but on cages. My old ride never had them.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
There is a specific procedure to follow, you can not skip any of the steps.
Check your service manual.
I had a problem when I replaced the rear brakes and found one of the plugs were unplugged. had to take it to the dealer, I don't have a service manual yet. it cost me $25 and 1.5 hours waiting time.
Check your service manual.
I had a problem when I replaced the rear brakes and found one of the plugs were unplugged. had to take it to the dealer, I don't have a service manual yet. it cost me $25 and 1.5 hours waiting time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 278
From: USA
You said:
"I have verified twice now that the bearings are installed with the green side facing out and are on the correct side of the wheel. I have also verified my sensors are installed correctly."
The HD ABS bearings on my bike have an orange seal on one side and it faces inward. Part # 9252
I take it you don't have HD ABS bearing? If so that would be your problem.
"I have verified twice now that the bearings are installed with the green side facing out and are on the correct side of the wheel. I have also verified my sensors are installed correctly."
The HD ABS bearings on my bike have an orange seal on one side and it faces inward. Part # 9252
I take it you don't have HD ABS bearing? If so that would be your problem.
Last edited by timbo141; May 17, 2013 at 06:00 PM. Reason: Color Font
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
you might try to disconnect the bat. to see if that will clear the codes then see if they come back
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I'm betting the installed bearing isn't an ABS bearing. Orange on one side, green on the other, line going around the outside of the bearing, 3mm from the edge.
Reinstall the wheels you know worked, then you'll know if it's the bearing. If it's not that, then I'd take a hard look at the sensors. It's really a simple system, there's not much to go wrong. You may also look at whether the new wheels turn at the same rate. Wheels of dissimilar size will spin at different rates keeping the ABS from setting up initially. Compare the wheel size and tire size/aspect ratios. A larger front wheel will turn less than a smaller rear wheel provided an aspect ratio adjustment doesn't reconcile the overall diameter of the two wheels.
Reinstall the wheels you know worked, then you'll know if it's the bearing. If it's not that, then I'd take a hard look at the sensors. It's really a simple system, there's not much to go wrong. You may also look at whether the new wheels turn at the same rate. Wheels of dissimilar size will spin at different rates keeping the ABS from setting up initially. Compare the wheel size and tire size/aspect ratios. A larger front wheel will turn less than a smaller rear wheel provided an aspect ratio adjustment doesn't reconcile the overall diameter of the two wheels.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; May 17, 2013 at 06:48 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
The flashing ABS light is normal until you start rolling. After a short distance it will go out if everything is normal. Mine does it every time I go for a ride.
How "short" is the distance? It should be very short. I think the light is set to go off at around 3 mph (don't quote me on that).
Is ABS working normally? Stomp the rear or grab a handful of front lever to check it but don't go very fast to do the check.
Once the light goes out does it stay out for the whole ride?
Sounds normal to me.
How "short" is the distance? It should be very short. I think the light is set to go off at around 3 mph (don't quote me on that).
Is ABS working normally? Stomp the rear or grab a handful of front lever to check it but don't go very fast to do the check.
Once the light goes out does it stay out for the whole ride?
Sounds normal to me.