Ford Escape first gen (2001-2006) – ABS tone rings

[Gareth Randall]

The first generation of the Escape has a common issue with the ABS tone rings cracking and coming loose. The first indication is often the ABS light coming on, and if you pull the fault code you’ll typically see that a wheel sensor signal is missing. It’s also possible that you’ll experience the ABS triggering during regular braking, which can be disconcerting.

Ford sells replacement tone rings, and they’re also available on the aftermarket. They’re a friction fit. There’s a special tool available for installing them, or you can just heat them up to expand them, or tap them on gently with a hammer, using the old ring to cushion between the hammer and the new ring.

It’s important to clean the surface of the CV shaft where the ring sits with a wire wheel or similar, as the cause of the cracking is rust building up under the ring and eventually expanding to the point where the ring fractures.

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