ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

Replace the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including removal of the wheel, accessing the sensor mounted on the rear knuckle/hub assembly, and testing system function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification (Mopar 5080226AA or equivalent)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If brake rotors may be hot, allow 30 minutes cooling time
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheel is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift rear of vehicle at designated rear jacking point and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove loosened wheel lug nuts and remove rear wheel on affected side

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear ABS wheel speed sensor
   Identify the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted to the rear knuckle assembly. The sensor is located near the top-rear of the hub/knuckle area with a single bolt securing it and a wiring harness routing upward toward the chassis. The sensor tip is positioned adjacent to the tone/reluctor ring to read wheel speed. Verify exact tone ring location (hub-mounted, axle-mounted, or bearing-integrated) against the 2005 Viper service manual.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wiring harness upward from the sensor body to locate the electrical connector (typically 12-18 inches from sensor). Press the locking tab on the connector and pull the connector halves apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves; grip the connector bodies. If the connector is difficult to separate, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently release the locking tab while pulling.
3. 3

   Remove sensor wiring harness routing clips
   Trace the sensor wiring harness from the connector back toward the sensor, noting any routing clips or retainers securing it to the suspension or chassis. Release these clips by pressing their tabs or prying gently with a pick tool. There are typically 1-2 clips along the routing path. Note the exact routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Locate the single bolt securing the sensor body to the rear knuckle. This is typically a small hex-head bolt (verify head size, commonly 8mm, 10mm, or a Torx head, against the 2005 Viper service manual). Using a socket and ratchet, remove the bolt completely. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to turn, apply penetrating oil and wait 5-10 minutes before attempting removal. Retain the bolt if in good condition, or replace if damaged or corroded.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract sensor from knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the mounting bore in the knuckle. The sensor may be tight due to corrosion or buildup. If stuck, gently twist while pulling, or use a small amount of penetrating oil around the sensor body. Do not pry against the sensor tip or use excessive force that could damage the bore. Once free, carefully thread the wiring harness back through any brackets or routing points.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting bore and tone ring
   With the sensor removed, inspect the mounting bore in the knuckle for corrosion, debris, or damage. Clean the bore with a wire brush if necessary. Look into the hub assembly to visually inspect the tone ring (toothed reluctor ring) for damage, missing teeth, debris buildup, or excessive runout. The tone ring must be intact for proper ABS function.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Inspect the new sensor tip for any protective covering or debris. Ensure the O-ring (if equipped) on the sensor body is properly seated. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor tip and O-ring area to aid installation and future removal. Do not apply anti-seize or petroleum-based products that may contaminate the sensor.
8. 8

   Install new sensor into knuckle
   Route the new sensor wiring harness through the same path noted during removal. Carefully insert the sensor straight into the mounting bore in the knuckle, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without binding. Align the mounting bolt hole.
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Insert the sensor mounting bolt through the sensor body and thread it into the knuckle. Hand-tighten first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to approximately 10 Nm (7 lb-ft), confirming the exact spec in the 2005 Viper service manual. Do not exceed this torque value, as the sensor body or mounting threads can be damaged by over-tightening. Note: Torque specification: approximately 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) for a small M6 fastener — verify exact value against the 2005 Viper service manual. Over-torquing will damage the sensor or knuckle threads.
   ⚠Critical torque specification: 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) only. Over-torquing will damage the sensor or knuckle threads.
   Torque spec

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

    Secure wiring harness and reconnect connector
    Re-install the wiring harness into the routing clips noted during disassembly, ensuring the harness follows the original path and has no tension or contact with rotating components or sharp edges. Connect the electrical connector by pushing the halves together until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not fully torque yet. Raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground with partial weight. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the factory specification (verify exact value in the 2005 Viper service manual) using a torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Clear ABS fault codes and test system
    Connect a scan tool capable of accessing the Chrysler ABS/CAB module (DRB III or equivalent bidirectional tool); most generic OBD-II readers cannot access ABS codes or live data on this platform. Clear any stored ABS fault codes related to the wheel speed sensor. Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light follows the normal startup sequence (illuminates briefly, then extinguishes). With the scanner connected, view live data and verify the repaired wheel speed sensor is now reading properly. Drive the vehicle at low speed (5-15 mph) in a safe area and verify all wheel speed sensors are reading similar values and changing appropriately with vehicle speed.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, as this repair involves direct replacement rather than multi-component disassembly

Verification

• Verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after starting the vehicle and remains off
• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm no active ABS fault codes are present
• Verify the replaced wheel speed sensor shows live data readings on the scanner that match the other wheel sensors
• Test drive the vehicle at low to moderate speeds and confirm all four wheel speed sensors read appropriately and change together during acceleration and deceleration
• Perform a controlled stop from 20-25 mph in a safe area and verify ABS system does not activate unexpectedly (which would indicate improper sensor air gap or tone ring damage)
• Visually inspect the sensor wiring harness routing to ensure no contact with rotating or hot components

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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