ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

Replace the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring rear wheel removal and sensor extraction from the hub assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature rated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned at rear chassis lift points
6. Remove rear wheel lug nuts and wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear ABS wheel speed sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor location on the 2008 Viper should be confirmed against factory service documentation, as this platform's rear axle configuration may mount the sensor at the differential/axle carrier reading an axle-mounted tone ring rather than at each individual rear hub. Visually identify the sensor and trace the wiring harness routing to locate the electrical connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wiring harness from the sensor body toward the chassis until you locate the electrical connector, typically secured to a bracket or tucked near the suspension components. Press the locking tab on the connector and gently pull the connector halves apart by the connector bodies, not the wires. If the connector is corroded or stuck, gently work it free with a flathead screwdriver on the tab.
3. 3

   Release wiring harness from retaining clips
   The sensor wiring harness is secured along its route with retaining clips or brackets attached to the suspension or chassis. Identify each clip securing the harness and carefully release the harness by pressing the clip tabs or sliding the harness out of the clip channels. Note the routing path for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting fastener
   Locate the single mounting bolt securing the sensor. Confirm the exact socket size against factory documentation (commonly 8mm or 10mm hex head for ABS sensor bolts). If corrosion is present, spray with penetrating oil and allow 5-10 minutes soak time. Remove the mounting bolt completely using the appropriate socket.
5. 5

   Extract sensor from hub bore
   Grasp the sensor body firmly and pull straight out from the hub bore. The sensor tip extends into the bore and may have corrosion or debris causing resistance. If the sensor does not pull free easily, apply additional penetrating oil around the sensor body and wait. Gently rotate the sensor while pulling to break corrosion seal. Do not pry against the sensor body as it is plastic and will crack. If severe seizure is encountered, carefully use a flathead screwdriver between the sensor mounting flange and hub face to apply even pressure while pulling.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean hub bore
   With the sensor removed, inspect the bore in the hub assembly for corrosion, debris, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the bore thoroughly, removing all rust and buildup. Inspect the sensor mounting surface on the hub face and clean it as well. The bore must be clean to ensure proper sensor seating and air gap to the tone ring.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect it for damage. Check that the O-ring or seal on the sensor body is present and intact. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the sensor body exterior where it contacts the hub bore, avoiding the sensor tip itself. Do not apply anti-seize to the threads of the mounting bolt.
8. 8

   Install new sensor into hub
   Align the sensor body with the hub bore and the mounting hole. Insert the sensor straight into the bore, pushing firmly until the mounting flange contacts the hub face. The sensor should seat fully with no gap between flange and hub. Insert the mounting bolt through the sensor flange and thread it into the hub by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
9. 9

   Tighten sensor mounting bolt
   Torque the sensor mounting bolt to the factory specification (typically in the range of 7-11 ft-lbs for an M6/M8 ABS sensor bolt — confirm against Viper service data). Do not over-torque, as this can crack the sensor housing.
10. 10

    Route and secure wiring harness
    Route the sensor wiring harness along the same path noted during removal, ensuring it does not contact moving suspension components, the rear half-shaft/driveshaft, brake components, or sharp edges. Secure the harness in each retaining clip or bracket, pressing firmly until each clip engages. Ensure there is adequate slack at connection points to prevent tension during suspension articulation.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the sensor electrical connector with its mating connector and push together firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on both connector bodies to verify secure engagement. Ensure the connector lock is fully seated.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the rear wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug but not final torque. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle to ground. With vehicle weight on wheel, torque lug nuts to the factory specification (confirm exact value against 2008 Viper service data) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure sensor wiring harness is secured in all retaining clips with no contact to moving or hot components
2. Verify electrical connector is fully locked and seated
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify ABS warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes as part of bulb check - a light that remains on may indicate a fault code stored
• Start vehicle and drive at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area - the ABS system should initialize and the ABS light should remain off
• If a scan tool is available, read ABS system for codes and verify the affected wheel sensor is now reporting speed data
• Test drive at moderate speed and apply brakes firmly to verify ABS function (pulsing pedal) if conditions are safe to do so

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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