99 blazer 4.3L abs light on
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99 blazer 4.3L abs light on
I have a 99 blazer 4.3L the ABS light came on yesterday and it started to shake when I hit about 60 or higher. I think I have a bad wheel bearing and need an alignment done. Any one have any other diagnosis?
New Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7
From: Seattle
I've gleaned lots of useful information from this forum, and am going to spend some time (as available) to give back to the community - starting with this first response. I own a '98 Blazer I purchased new, and am the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) "poster boy" - I've experience most of them...
The issues you describe may or may not be related. Wheel balance can affect high-speed rotational stability. Uneven tire tread-surface wear may do the same - and alignment may resolve the cause but tire replacement may be required. If the ABS indicator is lighted constantly, then a "permanent" diagnostic trouble code (DTC) has set. You may want to have the code read - many chain auto supply stores will do this for free.
The ABS sensor is integrated into the hub/bearing assembly on the '99 model - and all replaced as a single unit for around $65 each (Autozone). Standard practice is to replace both hubs (L/R) at the same time. Not a big job, and consider new brake pads at the same time since you're already there.
In my experience (and from reading forum entries from others before I replaced mine), worn bearings will generate a "whirring" noise at higher speeds that will decrease as you turn the wheels slightly in one or both directions. These are sealed bearings without external grease fittings. The hub likely will require rental of a puller for removal from the splined shaft. When you route the sensor lead, take care to ensure that it follows the original lead path and is not strained when turning the wheels fully in either direction. (Pro-tip: take a picture with your cell phone or digital camera - I do this with nearly every repair so that I have a reference diagram.)
My '98 is functinally the same as your '99; I have the 3-volume OEM shop manual set and may be able to provide the applicable pages if needed.
Good luck.
The issues you describe may or may not be related. Wheel balance can affect high-speed rotational stability. Uneven tire tread-surface wear may do the same - and alignment may resolve the cause but tire replacement may be required. If the ABS indicator is lighted constantly, then a "permanent" diagnostic trouble code (DTC) has set. You may want to have the code read - many chain auto supply stores will do this for free.
The ABS sensor is integrated into the hub/bearing assembly on the '99 model - and all replaced as a single unit for around $65 each (Autozone). Standard practice is to replace both hubs (L/R) at the same time. Not a big job, and consider new brake pads at the same time since you're already there.
In my experience (and from reading forum entries from others before I replaced mine), worn bearings will generate a "whirring" noise at higher speeds that will decrease as you turn the wheels slightly in one or both directions. These are sealed bearings without external grease fittings. The hub likely will require rental of a puller for removal from the splined shaft. When you route the sensor lead, take care to ensure that it follows the original lead path and is not strained when turning the wheels fully in either direction. (Pro-tip: take a picture with your cell phone or digital camera - I do this with nearly every repair so that I have a reference diagram.)
My '98 is functinally the same as your '99; I have the 3-volume OEM shop manual set and may be able to provide the applicable pages if needed.
Good luck.
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