This procedure covers replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including wheel removal, sensor extraction, and installation verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification or Motorcraft DY1275
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. If an ABS fault code is present, note the specific code before beginning work
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the frame rails
5. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS sensor and connector
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the back of the steering knuckle, with the sensor tip inserted into the wheel bearing hub assembly. Locate the electrical connector, which is typically secured to a bracket on the upper control arm or frame rail with a plastic clip or routing tab.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Press the tab on the electrical connector and pull apart to disconnect. Note the routing of the wire harness from the sensor to the connector, including any clips or retaining tabs that secure it to the suspension components or frame.
3. 3

   Remove harness routing clips
   Release the sensor wire harness from any routing clips along the upper control arm, knuckle, or frame. Use needle-nose pliers or a plastic pry tool to gently release the clips without breaking them. The harness typically has 2-3 retention points between the sensor and connector.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket or wrench, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. The bolt enters from the rear of the knuckle. If the bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes before removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently rotate it while pulling. Avoid using pry tools against the sensor body as it is fragile. If severely corroded, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow it to soak, then try rotating and pulling again.
   ⚠Do not force the sensor out as this may damage the mounting bore in the knuckle
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the steering knuckle, removing all corrosion and debris. Ensure the bore is completely clean so the new sensor seats properly. Check that the tone ring on the hub assembly is clean and undamaged.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Inspect the new ABS sensor to ensure the tip is clean and undamaged. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the outer body of the sensor (not the tip) to prevent future corrosion and aid removal. If available, apply dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Insert the new ABS sensor straight into the mounting bore in the steering knuckle, ensuring it is fully seated. The sensor should slide in smoothly and sit flush against the knuckle mounting surface. Align the mounting bolt hole.
9. 9

   Install and torque the sensor bolt
   Install the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). This fastener has fine threads and must not be overtightened or the threads in the knuckle can be stripped.
   ⚠Critical torque specification - do not exceed 7 lb-ft or thread damage will occur
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure the harness
    Route the sensor wire harness following the original path, securing it to all mounting clips on the control arm, knuckle, and frame. Ensure the harness has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel or steering movement.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Connect the sensor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no dirt or moisture entered the connector during installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel
    Reinstall the front wheel, threading all lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to pull the wheel evenly against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 156.0 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wire harness routing clips are properly secured
2. Verify electrical connector is fully locked and sealed
3. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after lowering vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light follows normal operation (illuminates briefly at start, then goes off)
• If an ABS fault code was present before repair, use an OBD-II scan tool to clear codes and verify they do not return
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to allow the ABS system to perform self-check
• Verify no ABS warning light or traction control warning lights illuminate during test drive
• Perform a gentle brake test in a safe area to confirm ABS system responds normally

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