ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front

Replace the front ABS wheel speed sensor by removing the wheel, accessing the sensor mounted to the steering knuckle, disconnecting the electrical connector, and installing the new sensor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification (Mopar 4683471 or equivalent)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   Consult the factory service manual to confirm the exact front wheel speed sensor mounting location for this specific vehicle before proceeding, as the sensor location and mounting cannot be assumed generic.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire from the sensor body to the electrical connector location. Press the release tab on the connector and pull apart. If corrosion is present, spray with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry before disconnecting.
3. 3

   Remove wire routing clips
   Release the sensor wire from any routing clips or brackets along the suspension components. The Gen I Viper typically uses push-in style clips that can be released by pressing the tab and pulling the wire free. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes. Do not force the bolt as it threads into aluminum.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the mounting hole in the knuckle. If the sensor is seized due to corrosion, gently rock it side-to-side while pulling. Do not use excessive force or pry against the knuckle casting. If severely corroded, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow to soak.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting hole
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting hole in the knuckle, removing all dirt, corrosion, and debris. The hole must be clean to ensure the new sensor seats fully and maintains proper air gap to the tone ring. Wipe clean with a rag.
7. 7

   Install the new sensor
   Inspect the new sensor O-ring (if equipped) for damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor body. Insert the sensor straight into the mounting hole until it seats fully against the knuckle face. The sensor should slide in smoothly without force.
8. 8

   Install and torque the mounting bolt
   Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper engagement. Torque the bolt to the factory-specified value (typically around 7 ft-lbs / 10 Nm for an M6 sensor bolt — verify in service manual) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor body or strip the threads in the aluminum knuckle.
   ⚠Over-torquing the ABS sensor bolt can crack the sensor housing or strip the aluminum threads in the knuckle. Use a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Route and secure the sensor wire
   Route the sensor wire through the original path, ensuring it does not contact moving suspension components, the CV axle, or exhaust. Secure the wire in all original clips and brackets. The wire must have adequate slack to allow for full suspension travel without tension.
10. 10

    Connect the electrical connector
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the sensor connector terminals. Align and press the connector halves together until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently to verify the connection is secure.
11. 11

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with the wrench, then lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheel, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure sensor wire has adequate slack and does not contact moving components through full suspension travel
2. Verify all routing clips are securely fastened
3. Double-check electrical connector is fully seated and locked

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes after 2-3 seconds
• If the 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 perform self-check. The ABS light should remain off during normal driving
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to verify proper ABS function if equipped with scan tool data monitoring

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle