Hi All,

The front right ABS sensor on my FD has stopped working (no continuity). After having a minor heart attack, when I saw the price of a replacement, it got me thinking. Does the ABS system care what resistance/voltage it reads so long as all four corners are similar? If not, has anybody attempted to use alternative sensors? I see the MK2.5 Miata sensors look very similar, and Bosch has a selection that also seems quite close. It got me thinking: if I could find a sensor of similar geometry and maximum wire length, could I produce a mounting bracket similar to the original to position the new sensor at the correct distance from the ring gear? Then, transfer over the mounting bracket, grommet, etc, when swapping the plugs.

If possible, it may be more cost-effective to purchase four readily available and modern sensors than to fork out for a expensive new and still expensive 2nd hand one. I suppose it all comes down to how the ECU monitors the ABS values.

It would be interesting to know if anybody has attempted this before.

Mark

 

No known alternatives
I have front sensors for $150 each shipped

 

for what it's worth, it might help if you track down who actually makes the sensor. if it is Mazda, then yes, you may be over a barrel as they say. however, if it's some third-party, then it's likely they made that sensor for other manufacturers as well and you'll likely be able to get it a better price somewhere else.

your proposed avenue of actually finding out how the ECU uses the information the sensors and using that to search for alternatives is, of course, also viable.

 

I have some good news. I took a chance on the Mazda Miata (MX-5) MK2 ABS sensors. I replaced both fronts for less than £60. The dash light went off straight away. I've been driving her for a few days now, and it hasn't come back on. Success.

A few things to note:

1. I have an Apexi ECU (I don't know if it changes how the ABS behaves).
2. The hole in the knuckle for the sensor measured 18mm in diameter, but there were a couple of high spots from the casting process. I took an 18mm drill and knocked those high spots off.
3. The wire does point in the other direction, but with enough slack, it doesn't rub at full lock. All other vital dimensions match up.
4. The connectors do not match, and it's not just a case of de-pinning and swapping them over. I elected to upgrade to Deutsch connectors.

 

Always good to know there are parts options as the NLA list grows for needed FD parts.
I have two sets of front & rear OEM sensors available

 

THis is great I have 2 fds one I know my abs has been on for ages . The new parts car I'm rebuilding I believe they are all broke as well. Thanks for the tips and pics. Wonder about the tears now...