So my ABS, Trac Off, and service traction system lights have been coming on and off over the last couple months (since January) and I figured I might as well invest in an ABS scanner instead of trying to aimlessly try to repair things and cross my fingers. Well my scanner came in today and 4 codes popped up:
1.

2.

3.

4.


When I put my rims on this season I disconnected the front wheel sensors and then plugged them back in to make sure of a good connection. I do not remember seeing any corrosion in there. In the bottom left of each picture you will see History or CURR/HIST. History is a designated to a code that has spanned long enough to be stored in the long-term memory. CURR/HIST indicates it is current and been stored in long-term memory.

I'm pretty sure I need a driver side wheel bearing, but I just wanted to get some other input in case I am overlooking anything. Thanks in advance!

 

2, 3, and 4 all have to do with the workings of the wheel hub, so I think your train of thought regarding the bearing is correct. 1 may be related as well. Raise each side of the front end so the wheel is off the ground and secure it on a jack stand. Grab the tire at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and pull out on the tire at the top while pushing it at the bottom. Alternate your push/pull motion between positions several times. Then grab the tire at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions and repeat the push/pull action. Check both sides of the vehicle. If there is any play at all in any direction the bearing is worn and the hub assembly should be replaced.

 

It is possible for the ABS speed sensor in the wheel hub to be bad, BUT the bearing hub itself not show signs requiring replacement (such as excessive play).

The other test you can do (if your scanner allows it, I have access to one that does), record some driving data and then review it frame by frame, one of the wheels will show an incorrect speed reading from the other 4.

Personally, based on the codes shown, I would replace the left front wheel bearing (which contains an internal and to my knowledge non-service-able ABS speed sensor). I would recommend a Timkin bearing (RockAuto is probably the best price). I've used a Timkin on my Monte, Grand Am and a pair on my wife's Impala. Great bearing, fair price and I believe built in the USA (I know the company is based in Ohio).

 

Thanks for the response maniac, I believe my reader does have that function and I'll try it out tomorrow. Plus it sounds like a good suggestion for the wheel bearing, thanks

 

that looks like a nice scanner. where did you buy it and how much?

 

03SSLE thanks for your response as well I missed your post! I'm going to replace the driver side, and when I do that will check for any play in the passenger side as well.

lougreen03, I bought the scanner from amazon it is an Acetron CP9449. I think I paid a total of $71 shipped to my door.
Click here for the link
It is a lot cheaper than getting it diagnosed by the dealership, and compared to other products its pretty competitively priced! Plus it was a no brainer for me since my family owns an 04 Grand Prix, 03 Mercury Mountaineer, and a 2001 Grand Am, which were all on the application list.

 

wow, that is a pretty sweet scanner and not a bad price compared to some I've seen....Thanks for posting up the link.