This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — ACDelco 213-4635 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove completely)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear ABS sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle housing near the brake backing plate or rotor assembly. The sensor head inserts into the axle housing and reads the tone ring on the axle shaft. Identify the sensor and trace the wiring harness to the connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness from the sensor to the electrical connector, typically located along the frame rail or axle housing. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector apart. If corroded, spray with electrical contact cleaner and work gently to avoid breaking the connector.
3. 3

   Remove wire harness retaining clips
   The sensor wire is secured to the axle housing or frame with plastic retaining clips or brackets. Carefully release each clip by pressing the release tabs or removing any small fasteners. Note the routing of the harness for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Apply penetrating oil to sensor bolt
   Spray penetrating oil on the ABS sensor mounting bolt and allow it to soak for several minutes. Rear sensors are exposed to road salt, moisture, and debris and often corrode in place. Let the penetrant work before attempting removal.
   ℹ️If the bolt is severely corroded, allow additional soak time or apply heat carefully to avoid damaging the axle housing.
5. 5

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket or wrench, carefully remove the sensor mounting bolt. The bolt threads into the axle housing. If resistance is high, apply more penetrant and use steady pressure to avoid breaking the bolt. Keep the bolt if reusable or discard if corroded.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract the ABS sensor from axle housing
   Grip the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the axle housing. The sensor may be stuck due to corrosion or magnetic debris buildup. Rock gently while pulling if necessary. Avoid twisting excessively as this may damage the sensor bore in the axle housing. If severely stuck, use penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow time to penetrate.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or pry tools that could damage the axle housing bore. A damaged bore will prevent proper sensor seating.
7. 7

   Clean the sensor mounting area
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor bore in the axle housing and the mounting surface around the bolt hole. Remove all corrosion, metallic debris, and old gasket material if present. Clean the bolt threads in the axle housing with the wire brush. Wipe the area clean with a rag. Inspect the bore for damage.
   ℹ️Metallic debris on the sensor mounting area or inside the bore can cause false ABS signals or sensor failure.
8. 8

   Prepare new ABS sensor for installation
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect for damage. Check that the O-ring (if equipped) is properly seated on the sensor body. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals on the sensor to prevent corrosion. Do not apply grease to the sensor tip itself.
9. 9

   Install new ABS sensor into axle housing
   Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the bore in the axle housing. Push firmly until the sensor is fully seated and the mounting flange contacts the axle housing surface. Ensure the sensor is not cocked or cross-threaded in the bore. The sensor should slide in smoothly once aligned properly.
10. 10

    Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
    Insert the mounting bolt (new or cleaned original) and hand-thread it into the axle housing. Tighten the bolt using a torque wrench to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). This is a critical specification - overtightening will crack the sensor housing or strip the aluminum threads in the axle housing.
    ⚠The ABS sensor bolt torque is very low at only 7 lb-ft. Use an accurate torque wrench and do not exceed this value.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Route and secure sensor wiring harness
    Route the sensor wire harness along the same path as the original, ensuring it is away from the brake components, exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension parts that move or generate heat. Secure the harness with the original retaining clips, ensuring adequate slack for suspension movement but no excessive looseness that could allow chafing.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the sensor electrical connector with the vehicle harness connector and push together until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully locked. Apply dielectric grease to the connector exterior seal if desired for additional corrosion protection.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After torquing wheel lug nuts, fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
2. Double-check that all tools and parts have been removed from underneath vehicle
3. Verify the sensor wire harness has adequate clearance during suspension travel by bouncing the rear of the vehicle

Verification

• Start the vehicle and observe the ABS warning light on the instrument cluster. It should illuminate briefly during the bulb check and then extinguish within a few seconds
• If ABS light remains on, use a scan tool to check for ABS fault codes and verify the new sensor is communicating properly
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 5-10 mph to allow the ABS system to verify all wheel speed sensors are functioning
• Perform a controlled stop from moderate speed (not emergency braking) and verify ABS system operates normally with no warning lights
• After test drive, recheck wheel lug nut torque to ensure proper seating

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