ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

Replace the rear ABS wheel speed sensor to restore proper anti-lock brake system function and eliminate ABS warning lights.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — OEM Mopar or equivalent quality aftermarket
• Sensor mounting bolt × 1 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel on affected side

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear ABS sensor
   The rear ABS sensor is mounted on the rear axle/differential housing near the carrier. On rear-wheel ABS (RWAL) trucks a single sensor reads an exciter/tone ring at the differential carrier; on 4-wheel ABS trucks the sensor tip is inserted into the axle housing facing a tone ring on the axle shaft. Locate the sensor and trace the wire harness to the electrical connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness from the sensor body to the electrical connector. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. The connector is typically located near the frame rail or tucked into a bracket along the axle.
3. 3

   Release wire harness clips
   The sensor wire harness is secured to the axle housing or frame with plastic clips or retaining brackets. Carefully release these clips working from the sensor toward the connector. Use diagonal cutters to remove damaged clips if necessary.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the axle housing (commonly an 8mm or 10mm head — verify the correct socket size on your vehicle). If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak. Do not force or the bolt may break off in the housing.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract the old sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the axle housing bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Avoid prying against the axle housing. If severely corroded, the sensor tip may break off inside the bore.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor bore and inspect tone ring
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the axle housing, removing all rust, dirt, and debris. Inspect the sensor tip opening to ensure the tone ring on the axle shaft is visible and clean. Use electrical contact cleaner if needed. The tone ring teeth should be intact with no missing or damaged sections.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Compare the new sensor to the old one to verify correct replacement. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Do not apply grease to the sensor tip itself as this will attract metallic debris.
8. 8

   Install new sensor
   Insert the new sensor straight into the axle housing bore, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. The sensor tip should be positioned with the proper air gap to the tone ring (typically 0.020-0.040 inches, which is set automatically when the sensor bottoms out).
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Thread the sensor mounting bolt by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to specification. Do not exceed the specified torque as the sensor mounting bolt threads are easily stripped or the bolt can break.
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure wire harness
    Route the sensor wire harness along the original path, ensuring it does not contact any moving parts, hot exhaust components, or sharp edges. Secure the harness with new clips or zip ties as needed. Maintain adequate slack to prevent tension on the sensor connection.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the sensor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector body. Ensure the connector lock tab is fully engaged.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug, then lower vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    With the tire on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle. Remove wheel chocks.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure sensor wire harness is securely routed and will not contact moving or hot components
2. Verify all harness clips are properly secured to prevent wire damage from road debris

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check then extinguishes
• If ABS light remains on, use a scan tool to check for ABS codes and verify sensor signal is present
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 5-10 mph to allow the ABS system to perform self-check
• Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate during test drive
• Perform a gentle brake test in a safe area to confirm ABS system activates properly if equipped with scan tool monitoring

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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