ABS Tone Ring

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8, which may be located on the axle shaft, CV joint, or hub assembly depending on axle configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by axle type
• Brake caliper bracket bolts (if reusing old ones) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at opposite wheels from the one being serviced
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove wheel completely
7. Inspect ABS sensor and wiring for damage before beginning work
8. Use multimeter to verify ABS sensor operation if fault codes are present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts from the rear of the caliper. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire hanger or caliper hanger attached to the suspension or frame. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. These bolts are high-torque and may require a breaker bar. Once removed, set the bracket aside in a clean area.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor hat section while pulling outward. Do not strike the rotor friction surface. If severely corroded, thread two M8 bolts into the service holes on the rotor face to push it off the hub.
4. 4

   Locate and inspect the ABS tone ring
   With the rotor removed, locate the tone ring. On rear axles, it is typically pressed onto the axle shaft near the backing plate or differential. On front hubs, it may be integral to the wheel bearing assembly. Inspect the tone ring for damage, missing teeth, rust buildup, or improper air gap to the ABS sensor. Measure the air gap between the sensor tip and tone ring teeth (typical specification is 0.5-1.5mm). Check for metal debris on the magnetic ring.
5. 5

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from its bore in the knuckle or axle housing. The sensor may be corroded in place; gently work it back and forth while pulling outward. Clean the sensor bore with a wire brush and inspect the sensor tip for damage or metal debris accumulation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the damaged tone ring
   If the tone ring is pressed onto the axle shaft, use a suitable puller or drift punch to carefully drive it off the shaft. Work evenly around the ring to prevent cocking. If the tone ring is integrated into the hub bearing assembly, the entire hub must be replaced (this procedure would differ significantly). For pressed-on rings, note the installation depth and orientation before removal. Mark the axle shaft if necessary to ensure proper reinstallation depth.
   ⚠Do not damage the axle shaft surface during tone ring removal. Burrs or gouges can prevent proper installation of the new ring and may cause seal leaks.
7. 7

   Prepare axle shaft and new tone ring
   Thoroughly clean the axle shaft surface where the tone ring mounts using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old adhesive. Inspect the shaft for damage, scoring, or wear. The surface should be smooth and free of corrosion. Clean the new tone ring and verify it is the correct part number and orientation. Some tone rings have directional teeth or specific front/rear applications.
8. 8

   Install new ABS tone ring
   Position the new tone ring onto the axle shaft at the correct depth and orientation (refer to marks made during removal or service manual specifications). Use a press or appropriately sized driver tool to press the ring squarely onto the shaft. Ensure the ring is fully seated and perpendicular to the shaft axis. Apply even pressure around the entire circumference to prevent cocking. Verify the ring sits at the proper depth to maintain correct air gap with the ABS sensor.
   ⚠Improper installation depth or a cocked tone ring will cause incorrect sensor readings and ABS fault codes. The ring must be perfectly square to the axle shaft.
9. 9

   Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
   Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring and tip. Insert the sensor into its bore and hand-thread the mounting bolt. Torque the mounting bolt to specification. Verify the sensor tip does not contact the tone ring teeth by rotating the axle/hub by hand and listening for any clicking or scraping. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place securely.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Slide the brake rotor onto the wheel studs and ensure it sits flush against the hub face. Use a lug nut to temporarily hold the rotor in place during caliper installation if necessary.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket onto the mounting surface. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install both bracket bolts and torque them to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    If the brake pads were displaced, use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston(s) back into the bore. Position the caliper over the rotor and onto the bracket. Clean the caliper slide pin bolts and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of the pins (not the threads). Install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts to ensure proper seating. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not to final torque. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued to specification
2. Ensure the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well area
4. Pump the brake pedal several times to reseat the caliper pistons before moving the vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes
• Use a scan tool to check for ABS fault codes; no codes should be present
• Perform a test drive at low speed (5-10 mph) and verify the ABS sensor is reading properly via scan tool live data
• Verify the tone ring air gap is within specification using a feeler gauge or by confirming proper sensor signal on scan tool
• Test the ABS system in a safe area at low speed to ensure proper operation
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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