Removing ABS sensors?

[wagonist]

I'm pulling apart the suspension on my Caldina so I can replace the wheel bearings.

I'm having trouble getting the sensors out of the suspension, so they can be taken to the workshop press.
I wrecked them on my last Caldina, so I want to be really careful this time.

They've never been removed in 12 years, so is it just the holes gummed up?
Would some lubricating spray help?

[AndyTTR]

I find that the plastic tends to stick to the metal upright / knuckle... it must be the heat cycling that does it? Gently prying with a flat-head screwdriver should see them safely removed. I guess penetrating spray couldn't hurt?

Is the 'sensing' end of the sensor visible on your hubs? I've noticed that the passive wheel speed sensors on older cars tend to pick up the steel shavings off the hub over the years (looks like flakes of steel wool).

The shavings collect on the magnetic sensor then rust together over time... this can sometimes make removing the sensor difficult. It'd be worth taking a look into the hubs (if they're not accessible from the outside) after you pop the sensor out to make sure you don't have a cake of rusty steel floating around in there with your wheel bearings...

[wagonist]

Can't really get a screwdriver in there.
I've removed the suspension part from the car with the sensor still attached.

There is metal shaving around the sensor, but the other end, whilst a little dirty, wasn't too bad.
Tried a bit of penetrating spray, but it didn't really work.

I'm going to ask the workshop tomorrow when I drop the bits off if the sensors can just stay in. That'll avoid any isses.

[AndyTTR]

Mmm... If you can see the shavings on the sensor then I'm guessing it's not a sealed hub / upright unit, so there's probably not a rubber seal on the sensor causing it to stick.

Perhaps a gentle tap with a soft mallet might un-stick them? A little heat from a heat gun might help too...

But you're right, if it can be left in that's probably best.