ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including wheel removal, sensor extraction, and proper installation with torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS wheel speed sensor (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar
• Anti-seize compound (copper-based) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved lift point (rear differential housing or frame rail)
4. Secure vehicle on jack stands positioned under rear axle tubes or frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel and tire completely
6. Clean the general area around the wheel hub and sensor location with shop towels to prevent contamination during sensor removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear ABS wheel speed sensor
   The rear ABS sensor is mounted to the rear hub carrier or rear differential/axle area near the axle shaft. Look for a single bolt securing the sensor body and a wiring harness leading away from the sensor. The sensor tip faces inward toward the tone ring on the axle shaft or hub. Look for a single bolt securing the sensor body and a wiring harness leading away from the sensor. The sensor tip faces inward toward the tone ring on the axle shaft or CV joint.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wiring harness from the sensor body to the electrical connector (typically 6-12 inches from the sensor). Press the release tab on the connector and pull the two halves straight apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the connector is stiff, work a small flat-blade screwdriver gently under the release tab while pulling.
3. 3

   Remove sensor wiring harness routing clips
   Trace the sensor wiring from the sensor to the connector and note any plastic routing clips or brackets securing the wire to the suspension or chassis. Release these clips by pressing the retaining tabs or removing any fasteners. The harness must be free to move with the sensor during removal.
4. 4

   Apply penetrating oil to sensor mounting bolt
   Spray penetrating oil around the sensor mounting bolt and allow 2-3 minutes for penetration. This is especially important if the vehicle has been driven in wet or salt conditions. The bolt threads into aluminum and can corrode in place.
5. 5

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using the appropriate metric socket, remove the single bolt securing the sensor body to the hub or differential housing. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Keep the bolt for comparison with the replacement sensor hardware if a new bolt is provided.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract sensor from mounting bore
   Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the mounting bore. The sensor may be tight due to O-ring seal or corrosion. If stuck, gently rotate the sensor body back and forth while pulling outward. Do NOT use pliers on the sensor body or tip. If the sensor is severely corroded in place, apply more penetrating oil and allow additional time, or carefully work a plastic pry tool around the sensor body perimeter.
7. 7

   Inspect tone ring and mounting bore
   With the sensor removed, inspect the tone ring (toothed wheel on the axle shaft or CV joint). Check for broken teeth, excessive rust, or debris buildup. Clean the tone ring teeth with a non-metallic brush and contact cleaner if needed. Inspect the sensor mounting bore in the hub/housing for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the bore with contact cleaner and a shop towel.
8. 8

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect the sensor tip for any protective cap or shipping cover (remove if present). Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the sensor body where it contacts the mounting bore, but keep the compound away from the sensor tip and tone ring. Do not apply anti-seize to the sensor tip itself.
9. 9

   Install new sensor into mounting bore
   Insert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring the sensor tip is properly aligned with the tone ring. Push the sensor fully into the bore until the mounting flange seats against the hub or housing. The sensor should slide in smoothly without force. If resistance is felt, remove and check for debris or misalignment.
10. 10

    Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
    Thread the sensor mounting bolt by hand until finger-tight to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7 lb-ft). This is a very light torque specification due to the aluminum threads. Do not exceed this torque or thread damage will occur.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Route and secure sensor wiring harness
    Route the sensor wiring harness along the same path as the original, ensuring the wire does not contact any moving suspension components, the exhaust system, or sharp edges. Secure the harness with the original routing clips, ensuring the clips fully engage. Leave slight slack in the harness to allow for suspension movement without pulling on the sensor.
12. 12

    Reconnect sensor electrical connector
    Align the sensor connector with its mating connector and push together until a distinct click is heard or felt. Gently tug on both sides of the connector to verify it is fully latched. Ensure no dirt or moisture is present in the connector pins before mating.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Position the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench and working in a star pattern, torque all lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft). Complete at least two full passes in the star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque check
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands, remove the jack stands, and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle's full weight on the wheels, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern at 136 Nm (100 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is accomplished through the installation steps above (steps 8-14)
2. Ensure all wiring harness routing clips are secured and the harness has adequate slack for suspension travel
3. Verify the sensor connector is fully latched and moisture-free

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light on the instrument cluster illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes after 2-3 seconds
• If the ABS light remains illuminated, the system has detected a fault. Use a scan tool to retrieve ABS diagnostic trouble codes to identify the issue
• Perform a test drive at speeds above 5-10 mph to allow the ABS module to verify sensor operation. The ABS light should remain off during normal driving
• After test drive, re-check rear wheel lug nut torque at 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) after 25-50 miles of driving as a final safety verification

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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