Help needed with ABS sensor fitment

[93Leg-c]

I've got a '98 bk (Legacy L wagon w/2.2L) w/ABS. The right front bearing and hub were shot on it. I checked parts catalogs and supposedly the first and second generation Legacies steering knuckles are interchangeable. The only steering knuckle in good condition that I could find was at a local pick-and-pull from a '93 Legacy LS which had rather new brakes, rotors, ball joints, axles, etc. (the car was scrapped because it was T-boned).

Well, all the suspension, steering, and brake parts fit on the "new" knuckle EXCEPT the ABS speed sensor does not fit into the steering knuckle. The '89 sensor's diameter is larger than the hole it's supposed to fit into.

I've got basically two questions:

1--Can I drive without installing that right front speed sensor and if so, where do I secure it (until I obtain the correct knuckle)? Will the brakes lock up on me or something? The sensor is magnetic so if I tie it off somewhere can it be touching metal?

2--If I cannot or should not drive the car with the speed sensor uninstalled, can I have the steering knuckle hole for the speed sensor enlarged (like drilling it out to make the speed sensor fit)? Is this a machine shop job or could I do it myself? If I can do it myself, how do you recommend I go about doing it?

Thanks is advance for all of your input!

[magicmike]

1. ok to drive yes. you will have an abs light until you get the correct sensor in there.

2. not sure the '98 abs is going to get the correct signal from a 93 sensor. Also not sure if the length is the same and also the toothed ring.

[93Leg-c]

OK, thanks, it's good to know I can drive it. But if I have to slam on the brakes, how would the ABS system react since one of its sensors isn't mounted properly? I assume no ABS braking, correct?

I plan on using the '98 sensor but I will have to verify if the toothed ABS ring is the same as the '93.

[magicmike]

if the abs light is on then the abs is completely off. So slam on the brakes and you will lock up the wheels.

[93Leg-c]

OK, thanks for verifying that, Mike!