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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — AC Delco 213-4757 or equivalent
• ABS sensor mounting bolt × 1 — M6 x 1.0 x 20mm bolt (reuse if not damaged)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
5. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement
6. If available, connect scan tool to read which wheel sensor has failed (LF or RF)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear of the steering knuckle, directly behind the brake rotor and hub assembly. The sensor wire runs up from the sensor and connects to the vehicle harness near the upper control arm or frame rail. Visually inspect the sensor wire for any damage, chafing, or corrosion.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire from the sensor up to the electrical connector. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull apart the two halves. The connector may be secured with a clip or mounted to a bracket - remove or release as necessary. Note the routing of the wire for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove wire routing clips
   The sensor wire is typically held in place by one or more plastic clips or retainers along the brake line, control arm, or frame. Use a flathead screwdriver or pick tool to carefully release these clips. Take note of clip positions for proper reinstallation to prevent wire damage.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket or wrench, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle/hub assembly. The bolt is located on the rear face of the knuckle. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes. Do not use excessive force as the aluminum knuckle threads can strip easily.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the ABS sensor straight out of its bore in the steering knuckle. The sensor may be stuck due to corrosion or debris. If stuck, gently wiggle and rotate the sensor while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body as this can damage it. If extremely stuck, carefully use a small amount of penetrating oil around the sensor base and allow it to soak before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor bore
   Once the old sensor is removed, use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the steering knuckle. Remove all rust, debris, and old sealant. The bore must be clean to ensure proper seating of the new sensor and accurate readings. Inspect the tone ring (reluctor ring) on the inside of the hub for damage or debris and clean if necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Inspect the new ABS sensor to ensure the O-ring (if equipped) is properly seated on the sensor body. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor tip and O-ring to aid installation and prevent corrosion. Do not use petroleum-based grease as it can damage rubber components.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Carefully insert the new ABS sensor into the bore in the steering knuckle, ensuring it is fully seated. The sensor should slide in smoothly without force. Align the mounting hole in the sensor flange with the threaded hole in the knuckle. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the mounting bolt.
9. 9

   Install and torque the sensor bolt
   Thread the ABS sensor mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench and 10mm socket to tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). This is a very low torque value - do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing or strip the aluminum threads in the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Route and secure the sensor wire
    Route the sensor wire following the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact any moving parts, sharp edges, or heat sources. The wire must have adequate slack to allow for suspension movement. Reinstall all wire routing clips and retainers in their original positions. Ensure the wire is not stretched, kinked, or pinched.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Align and firmly press together the two halves of the electrical connector until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully locked. Secure the connector to any mounting brackets if applicable. Apply dielectric grease to the connector terminals if desired for corrosion protection.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel
    Position the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Use a 21mm socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not fully tighten yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent wheel rotation, then torque all lug nuts to 169.0 Nm (125.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wire routing clips are properly secured and the sensor wire has adequate slack for suspension travel
2. Verify the electrical connector is fully engaged and locked
3. Double-check that the wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during the bulb check, then extinguishes after a few seconds
• If the ABS light remains on, use a scan tool to check for stored diagnostic trouble 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 perform a self-test and verify all wheel speed sensors are reading correctly
• Perform a controlled stop from 15-20 mph and verify no ABS warning lights illuminate
• If equipped with a scan tool, monitor live ABS sensor data while driving to confirm the replaced sensor is providing signal and reading similar values to the opposite side sensor

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