ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front

Replace the front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including wheel removal, sensor extraction, connector service, and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Mopar 5085499AB or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at factory lift points.
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted in the steering knuckle, positioned near the top of the brake rotor. The sensor body protrudes from the knuckle with a single bolt securing it. The wiring harness routes upward toward the wheel well and connects to the vehicle harness near the upper control arm/frame mounting area.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Trace the sensor wire harness from the sensor body up into the wheel well. Locate the connector where it plugs into the vehicle harness. Press the locking tab and pull the connector halves straight apart. Inspect both connector halves for corrosion, damage, or moisture. If corrosion is present, clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner.
3. 3

   Remove wiring harness routing clips
   The sensor harness is typically secured to the knuckle or suspension components with 1-2 plastic clips. Note the routing path for reinstallation. Release each clip by pressing the locking tab or gently prying with a flathead screwdriver. Free the harness completely from its mounting points.
4. 4

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Locate the single mounting bolt that secures the sensor body to the steering knuckle. This is typically a 10mm hex head bolt. If the bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes. Remove the bolt completely and set aside. Do not reuse if threads are damaged or corroded.
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight outward from the knuckle bore. If the sensor is seized due to corrosion or debris, gently rotate it while pulling. Do not pry against the knuckle casting. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body, allow to soak, and retry. Avoid excessive force that could damage the knuckle bore.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle, removing any rust, debris, or corrosion. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper seating of the new sensor. Wipe clean with a shop rag. Inspect the bore for damage or cracks.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect for shipping damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor tip (reluctor ring contact area) to prevent corrosion and aid future removal. Do not apply excessive grease that could interfere with the magnetic field.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Align the sensor body with the mounting bore in the knuckle, ensuring the sensor tip faces inward toward the wheel hub reluctor ring. Push the sensor straight into the bore until it seats fully against the knuckle face. The sensor should sit flush with no gap.
9. 9

   Install the sensor mounting bolt
   Insert the mounting bolt through the sensor body and thread it into the knuckle by hand. Once hand-tight, torque the bolt to secure the sensor. The typical specification for this fastener is 90-110 in-lbs, though verify for this specific application. Ensure the sensor body does not rotate during tightening.
10. 10

    Route and secure the wiring harness
    Route the sensor harness along the same path noted during removal, ensuring it does not contact moving suspension components, the brake rotor, or sharp edges. Secure the harness with the original mounting clips. Verify adequate slack for full suspension travel and steering lock-to-lock movement.
11. 11

    Connect the electrical connector
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the female connector terminals if desired for corrosion protection. Align the connector halves and push together until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Raise vehicle slightly, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle to ground. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the sensor wiring harness has adequate slack and is routed away from heat sources and moving components.
2. Verify the electrical connector locking tab is fully engaged.
3. Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is torqued properly and the sensor is seated flush in the knuckle.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes.
• If the ABS light remains illuminated, use a scan tool to check for fault codes. A stored code for the replaced sensor should clear after driving.
• Perform a test drive at low speed (15-20 mph) to allow the ABS module to relearn the sensor signal. The ABS light should extinguish.
• Perform a gentle ABS stop test in a safe area to confirm proper system operation, or use a scan tool to monitor live sensor data showing wheel speed readings.
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving.

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