Update: see last post.

Let's try a different approach. Can anyone guess why this ABS (speed) sensor is covered in metal shavings?

 

Got any wobble? I'm thinking wheel bearing.

 

Mine looked like that when I did the wheel bearing yesterday. I just wiped it off and re-installed.

Although, I may have done something wrong because now the speedo isn't working....

 

The tone ring for the ABS rubs on the inside of the hub after it gets rusty with age. The metal shavings stick to the magnet on the sensor and the teeth on the ring become less pronounced in a double whammy type situation. Removing the rust from the hub and getting a new tone ring (generally with the axle) will fix it.

 

You got it bro. In lexus repair manual terms the No. 1 dust deflector is pushed onto the ABS speed sensor ring (located on the CV drive shaft Axle) by rust forming on the inboard side of the axle carrier hub. Just as you stated the dust deflector grinds down the teeth of the sensor ring (and throws off the speed sensor signal due to the metal shavings sticking to the sensor's magnet) causing ABS / VSC to go into safe mode.

 

Here's a couple of pics of a damaged speed sensor ring.

 

Damaged dust deflector ring.

 

To repair this problem you will have to remove the old dust deflectors, bust the rust off and install new deflectors. Notice I used a plural description and not singular. Yes, if this happned to one side of your car most likely the other side is damaged too. You will also need new speed sensor rings. You can eather replace the ring or change the whole axle. I just bought 2 new axles. I figured since I was going to have to take of the axles anyway that it would be better to just get refurbished ones. They can be had from Rockauto for about $50 bucks each with a 50 dollar core charge.

 

Part number to the dust deflector.

 

Important; if you decide to change the axles out don't forget to switch over the No. 2 dust deflector. The deflector protects the axle carrier hub bearing from debris.

 

Good info.

 

My ABS issue was fixed by having my new 200amp alternator installed, UNREAL. Apparently if the voltage is even a little bit off, it messes the ABS up and throws codes, or in my case it would vibrate like a page on slow short stops. Thought I was in BIG trouble, but thank GOD the Alternator fixed the issue. Just a note.

 

Wow, seriously?
Damn one more thing to consider I guess with this pain in the as ABS.

 

woa, you're lucky man

 

Update: another problem that can cause ABS issues is if the speed sensor is not pushed in all they way into the axle carrier. It must be all the way in and flush within the carrier (wheel hub for the front) sometimes what happens is the sensor o ring gets crushed between the top of the slot for the speed sensor and the sensor itself causing false readings. You can eather try and source a new o ring if yours is damaged but I tried black silicone around the top part of the sensor.