ABS Tone Ring

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 1994-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins and 4WD, typically requiring hub disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Front wheel bearing and hub assembly × 1 — Only if damaged during removal
• Hub seal × 1 — Recommended replacement
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Aerosol can

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and chock rear wheels
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove front wheel completely
5. Verify which wheel has the damaged tone ring by inspecting for cracks, missing teeth, or corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire or hanger from the suspension or frame to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless necessary.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. Remove the bracket completely. These bolts are typically very tight and may require a breaker bar.
   ℹ️Caliper bracket bolts are high-torque fasteners and may require heat or penetrating oil if corroded.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrating oil and tap with a rubber mallet. Some rotors may have set screws that must be removed first.
4. 4

   Remove hub and bearing assembly
   On 4WD models, the front hub/bearing arrangement varies by year and axle. Verify whether the truck uses a bolt-on unit bearing (secured to the knuckle by mounting bolts) or a serviceable spindle/hub design with an axle nut on the Dana 60 solid front axle. Remove the axle nut if present, then remove the appropriate mounting bolts and carefully pull the hub assembly off the axle shaft. A hub puller or slide hammer may be required if the assembly is stuck. The solid front axle shaft (Dana 60, U-joint style) passes through the hub assembly on 4WD models. Support the axle to prevent it from falling when hub is removed.
   ⚠The CV axle shaft passes through the hub assembly on 4WD models. Support the axle to prevent it from falling when hub is removed.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Mounting Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect ABS tone ring location
   With the hub removed, locate the ABS tone ring. It is typically press-fit onto the back of the hub assembly or onto the solid front axle shaft. Clean the area thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for the exact mounting method (press-fit, snap ring, or bolted).
6. 6

   Remove damaged tone ring
   If the tone ring is press-fit, use a press or hub puller to carefully press the tone ring off the hub. Apply even pressure and support the hub properly to avoid damage. If secured by a snap ring, use snap ring pliers to remove the retaining ring first. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush after removal.
   ⚠Excessive force or uneven pressure can crack the hub assembly. Work slowly and ensure the press or puller is properly aligned.
7. 7

   Prepare hub and new tone ring
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface with brake cleaner and wire brush to remove all rust, dirt, and old sealant. Inspect the hub for cracks or damage. Clean the new tone ring and verify it matches the original in diameter and tooth count.
   ℹ️The tone ring must be installed with correct orientation. Note the direction of the original ring before removal, or verify with service documentation.
8. 8

   Install new tone ring
   Position the new tone ring onto the hub in the correct orientation. Using a press, carefully press the tone ring onto the hub until it seats fully against the shoulder. Apply even pressure and ensure the ring remains square during installation. If snap ring secured, install the new snap ring after seating the tone ring.
   ⚠Do not hammer the tone ring onto the hub as this can damage the teeth or crack the ring.
9. 9

   Verify tone ring installation
   After installation, use a dial indicator to check tone ring runout against the factory service specification (verify the exact value in the FSM). Rotate the hub and confirm the ring runs true. Rotate the hub and verify the tone ring does not wobble and is firmly seated. Inspect all teeth for damage.
10. 10

    Reinstall hub assembly
    Install new hub seal if equipped. Guide the hub assembly back onto the axle shaft and align with the steering knuckle. Install the three mounting bolts and tighten to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Mounting Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. If equipped with rotor set screws, install and tighten them.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper bracket and caliper
    Position the caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle and install the bracket bolts. Apply threadlocker as specified and torque to specification. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins, then position the caliper over the rotor and install the slide pin bolts, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Lower the vehicle to the ground and perform final torque check on lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and thread locker is applied where indicated
2. Verify brake caliper moves freely on slide pins and brake pedal feels firm
3. Check that ABS sensor connector is properly seated and wiring is secured away from moving components

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (5-10 mph) and verify ABS light does not illuminate
• Perform a controlled ABS activation test in a safe area to confirm proper system operation
• Use a scan tool to verify the ABS sensor is reading properly and showing wheel speed data
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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