This invention provides a vehicle axle assembly including a wheel end supported on an axle by bearings. A system uses ABS to detect lateral movement of the wheel end relative to the axle using a sensor and tone ring. A fault code is generated during excessive lateral movement of the wheel end relative to the axle. A wheel end condition detection system activates a warning device in the vehicle cab communicating the severity of the condition to the vehicle operator. Additionally, the system may also communicate with a vehicle control system to limit speed of the vehicle by regulating the vehicle's engine to ensure that the vehicle is not operated at an unsafe speed until the wheel end condition is corrected.