Tacoma ABS light and activation ??

[toyotajonny]

I have been researching this issue for the last few evenings and I can't seem to find an answer. Here is the deal...
I have an '02 4WD Tacoma. The abs light recently came on and the abs will activate on occasion when coming to a slow stop on dry pavement.
Initially I pulled abs codes 32 and 44 (left front sensor and decel sensor).
Cleared the codes and cleaned the senor, light remians is on and abs still activates, now it reads code 32 only (LF sensor).

First question (and this may be a dumb one). It appears both front reluctor rings have grease on them from the front wheel bearings (or cv's?). Both sensors had grease on the when they were pulled for cleaning. Is the reluctor ring housing supposed to be exsposed to grease, or is this an indication the inside bearing seals are leaking?

Next question: I understand there is a specific and delicate tolerance with the space between the sensor tip and reluctor ring, however, when you bolt the sensor back in, it seems the sensor does not bolt in completely flush due to having only one bolt and soft rubber seal. The sensor sits just a little off square - is this an issue?

Last question: does someone have the ohm tolerances handy for the front sensors? I would like the verify if the sensor on the driver side is truly faulty.

Sorry for the lengthy post. This seems to be a common issue with several Toyota models, but I have yet to find a thread with a solution or repair to the issue other than replacing exspensive parts. I plan to follow up and post what the solution is to my specific problem.

Thanks in advance for your help/opinions!

[MEvang]

I only have the specification for the Tundra, but I would assume they share the same basic system. Try 1.4-1.8 K ohms. While measuring the resistance look for a unstable reading that jumps around, this indicates and bad sensor. Opens or anything out of range is bad.
The sensor has a magnetic core. If you remove it, put a magnet to the tip. It should be fairly strong, if it doesn't seem that way the magnet could be weak and the sensor is bad.
I would thing the sensor should fit relatively flat, while you have it out check for rust build up that may be causing this.
About your grease issue, You should no be getting grease on the sensor ring. It's either coming from the axle boot or backing out of the wheel bearing.
Mike

[toyotajonny]

Thanks for the info... I'll test the sensors hoepfully tomorrow.
Common sense would say there should not be any grease in the space between the hub/spindle and cv. Now I will research how best to access that area (wish I had a manual).
Thanks again for the help.

Jon