Buying a used JK - What to look for

[shaunv8]

Hi Guys,

Its been a long time, however Im looking at getting back into a JK.

I have found one for approx 11k (Unlimited Sport 2007, petrol, auto) with 220000 kms with some mods such as 2.5" lift, 33' tyres on steel rims, LED light bar on windscreeen brackets, ARB bullbar, and the guy says that quote" Lights on dash for fault in front driver side wheel speed sensor circuit, " unquote.

Can anyone suggest what this may be? ABS sensor broken, or possibly something more sinister.

Is there a way to diagnose when / if I go and look at it?

Also, is there anything else you can suggest that I make sure to check before I plunge in and possibly buy this one?

I appreciate your help.

Shaun

[JKFTW]

Without conceding to know much beyond my own observations... and because I find this interesting.. I've noticed my 2014 JKUO uses a wheel speed sensor as deterministic data for its BLD (brake lock differential - in 2007 model?) and TCS (traction control - TCS light comes on if one wheel is spinning out of relative proportion to the rest). Less sure on what the gadget is you're looking for though sorry!

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[JKFTW]

Have you seen this and could this be the gadget you're looking for?

https://youtu.be/7IyCNrc2rI0

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[samft]

ABS/BAS error could be many things

see if the steering wheel is straight when you drive it, if it's been lifted the steering
wheel could be off centre

It could be a dodgy clock spring, there's a recall out for them at the moment

feel how it drives, if it's pulling significantly in one direction, bear in mind that the jeep will probably wander around the road as it has wide tyres

one thing to check is that the cruise control works, sometimes it disables itself when the error is up on the dash, if it wont work you might be able to get some more money off

check for play in the steering wheel when you're stationary, probably without the power steering on so you can really feel for play (i.e. engine off but steering lock not active)

park with tyres pointing forward, visually inspect alignment, and push in/pull out the tops of the tyres back and forth feeling for play in ball joints

do some full lock turns around in circles in both directions in a car park and listen/feel for clunky u-joints

[OzRick25]

ABS sensor dislodged damaged, shagged ball joints particularlly the lowel ball, and shagged wheel bearings. Jack the axle slightly, stick a shovel in the dirt and try to move the wheel shouldn't move much at all. In terms of checking whether this is the actual fault you can get a obd 2 bluetooth adapter for about $20 to tell you the codes, or the cycle ignition 3 times check (google it) but chances are they have already done that so you wont get the code then you will need to take the negative terminal off for 30 seconds reconnect it go for a drive raise the code then do the cycle test and write down the code. To be fair a used JK for that price and km's is due for at least its 3rd set of bearings and balls unless it's never seen a corrigation. Wouldn't stop me buying it. I got offered 13 trade in for my 07 rubi with 140,000 and new balls and bearings in but I'm not selling.