ESP/ABS Issues?

[foyler]

Apologies that my first post is a cry for help, I've been having issues with my 2002 Fairlady/Z on and off for 6 months or so and some friends on another forum linked to threads on here and when I couldn't find an answer suggested I post up in the hope someone can help.

 

Basically what is happening is that on right turns when the front left is loaded up, the abs is kicking in and the 'slip' light comes on. It doesn't happen as much if I turn the esp off but it can still trigger if its an off camber corner or I throw it in a bit hot.

 

Now it seems to be tyre related as it stopped being an issue for the last few months (When tyres were similarly worn) but as soon as I put fresh rubber on the rears this week, its back with a vengeance.

I've read on here how the different rolling radius can cause issues with the esp but its almost exclusively the left front that is affected?

 

I've had it plugged into a basic OBD reader (No specialists out in the sticks here) last year and it showed a faulty yaw rate sensor, sourced a second hand sensor but it made no difference.

 

Another suggestion was low brake fluid but its just below max.

 

I was just going to buy a matching set of new Uniroyal rainsports for the fronts but it cant just be the tyres causing it and there's plenty of life left in the Michelin PSS that are on the fronts so seems a waste.

 

Only modification is 20mm spacers on the rears, had an alignment done late last year but might get it done again today as it feels really wooly & floaty since I put on the new rubber, also getting it plugged in again today but if anyone had any pointers or suggestions I'd be hugely grateful as its a total mind bend at this stage!

 

Thanks in advance

 

Mark

[Keyser]

Tyre size front to rear makes a difference as far as rolling radius and the TC is concerned.

 

Possible wheel speed sensor fault, also steering angle sensor can cause ABS / TC issues so worth checking that as well.

 

If the car feels "wooly" take the spacers off and drive it again if it's not planted then you need to check the bushes, track rod ends and alignment out.

 

Can you post wheel / tyre sizes just so we know.

 

Few things there to look at

[Keyser]

PS - to the forum

[foyler]

Thanks keyser, wheels are standard so 245/45/18 - rear, 225/45/18 fronts.

I decided against spacers on the front originally to avoid these issues and had previously taken the spacers off the rear to see if that was the cause but the issues remained.

 

What's really confusing is that the issue appeared to have solved itself over the last 3 months and now its back worse than ever after the fresh rubber, which is why I don't think the sensors are the root cause but I'm a mechanical numpty so who knows...

[GT Driver]

Welcome to the forum Foyler. Monza here

 

Apologies I couldn't be of more help when you rang the other evening - the lads on here are far more knowledgeable so hopefully you can get it sorted.

[Keyser]

Thanks keyser, wheels are standard so 245/45/18 - rear, 225/45/18 fronts.

I decided against spacers on the front originally to avoid these issues and had previously taken the spacers off the rear to see if that was the cause but the issues remained.

 

What's really confusing is that the issue appeared to have solved itself over the last 3 months and now its back worse than ever after the fresh rubber, which is why I don't think the sensors are the root cause but I'm a mechanical numpty so who knows...

 

Only other thing I have seen that makes the problem intermittent is bushes they "pop" in and out of alignment and as they tend to wedge in or out of place can be hard to trace but definitely worth investigating.

 

Buster may know which bushes needed changing as he was talking with somebody with that issue recently.

[buster]

i d be inclined to be checking the rear toe arm bushes ....and the adjuster bolts

 

 

 

first port fo call would be to get the car 4 wheel alinement checked

Edited May 24, 2016 by buster

[foyler]

Thanks lads, well it passed our equivalent of the MOT with flying colours yesterday for whatever that's worth.

I also had it up on a lift and plugged in by my local grease monkey en route to the test and all looks tight underneath and no faults showing on reader.

As above I'm based out in the sticks so no real expertise in these yokes nearby, but I may have to pull the trigger and travel to someone with a bit more knowledge.

I'm going to order a new pair of rainsports for the front (the issue has raised its head any time I've put fresh rubber on the rears) and get an alignment done next time I'm in Galway.

Steering angle sensor has been suggested by one or two on another forum and I've seen it suggested when searching on here for similar issues.

Might put in a call to the lads at clark motorsport who are sending some servicing bits to see if they have any ideas or parts...but all suggestions welcome, thanks.

[Ridz]

Are you running the same tyres all round?

 

I had a similar problem when I first got my Zed. It had the original Bridgestones on the front and newish Avons on the rear. The ESP light would come on during brisk cornering.

When the front Bridgestones were down to their legal limit, I changed them out to Avons to match the rears and no ESP problems.

 

There have been several posts regarding mixed tyres/ESP issues on this forum previously.

[foyler]

Yeah different tyres on front so I've ordered a matching pair of rainsports and having read the 'matching tyres' thread in all its glory, I can see how it would contribute to the unsettled feel of the car but I fear there is something else at play here.

The abs (and slip light) can kick in 4-5 times in a right handed corner (Much worse when TC is on?) so it'll likely require further investigation.

 

If there is a fault with the steering angle sensor, would that show up on a plug in/diag or would it require some digging around to identify if it is faulty?