Lucida Alignment and ABS Problem

[jap-car]

This isn't an engine problem but I'm not sure where else to post this. When I first bought my 1993 4WD Toyota Lucida (grey import Previa) last year, it had a couple of problems, these being:-
* It tended to pull slightly to the left
* On full steering lock, there was a knocking sound from the front.

To cure the knocking noise, I had the front N/S CV joint replaced with a new unit after-market joint. However, the ABS warning lamp immediately lit and the car juddered on full lock in reverse. Upon investigation, I found that the ABS ring integral with the new CV joint did not align with the ABS sensor on that wheel. I therefore replaced this CV joint with an entire 2nd hand Toyota driveshaft. The ABS ring now lines up with the sensor but the ABS lamp still lights as soon as the ignition is turned on (ie before turning a wheel). Also the car still judders in reverse. I’ve since replaced the battery in the car so have effectively pulled every fuse I can (to reset the ABS controller).

On top of this, I have had the front wheel tracking set three times. The car still pulls to the left (tyre wear is bad) and when the settings are re-checked after just half a mile, they are completely out. I have yet to check the rear but at the front I can’t feel / see any loose joints. The steering has no play and there are no clunks etc while driving.

I assume the judder and the tracking problem are related and the problem with the ABS is something the garage have knocked while in that area. The tip of the ABS sensor is clean and I can’t see any loose connections. Also while all this has been going on, I have replaced the front brake pads and all the callipers are free and the disks smooth.

Sorry for the long post. Any ideas – please?

Thanks,

Robert.

[jap-car]

roop said:

The ABS warning light should always light for a few seconds at startup. The light should then go out. Same goes for the airbag light (if applicable). These lights show the self-test has been completed. If they don't go out, you have a problem.

Sorry, I should have said that the ABS light stays lit rather than going out after a few seconds.

I used to have a Subaru, on which the ABS lamp would light and stay on after exceeding about 10mph. This was fixed by replacing one of the sensors. I assume that the lamp only lit once moving as it was then that the system recopgnised it was receiving spurious signals from the wheel sensor. On my Lucida, as the lamp lights instantly and stays on, the system myust be detecting a fault instantly without a wheel even turning. My best guess at the moment is that the sensor on the wheel where the driveshaft has been changed has been knocked and is now giving silly signals. There is no visible damage though.

Thanks for reply,

Robert.

[jap-car]

Thanks Mark,

I was suprprised not to find a loose joint but if you can't always feel play by hand then this may well explain things.

Is it just the front which tends to suffer or do you replce rear bushes / balljoints also?

Cheers,

Robert

[jap-car]

Thanks Mark