This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY-1301 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Locate the rear wheel corresponding to the faulty sensor (identify which sensor needs replacement using diagnostic scanner)
4. Gather all tools and the replacement sensor before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts approximately one full turn while the wheel is still on the ground. Use the floor jack to raise the rear of the vehicle at the appropriate jacking point on the rear axle. Once raised to sufficient height, position jack stands under the frame rails and lower the vehicle onto the stands. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel.
2. 2

   Locate the ABS sensor
   Identify the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear brake assembly. The sensor is mounted on the rear axle housing near the brake backing plate or caliper bracket, with the sensor tip inserted into the axle housing. The wiring harness runs from the sensor up along the axle and connects to the vehicle harness.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wiring harness from the sensor to the electrical connector. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully separate the two halves. If the connector is corroded or difficult to separate, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry the release tab while pulling the connector apart. Avoid pulling on the wiring itself.
4. 4

   Remove wiring harness retainers
   Trace the sensor wiring and locate any retaining clips or brackets that secure the harness to the axle or frame. Carefully release these clips by pressing the tabs or removing any fasteners. Keep track of the routing path for proper reinstallation of the new sensor.
5. 5

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using an 8mm socket or wrench, carefully remove the single bolt that secures the ABS sensor to the axle housing. If the bolt is corroded or seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before attempting removal. Do not use excessive force as the bolt and sensor housing can be fragile.
6. 6

   Remove the ABS sensor
   Gently pull the ABS sensor straight out from the axle housing. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion or debris, carefully twist it while pulling to break it free. Avoid using excessive force or prying tools directly on the sensor body as this can damage the axle housing bore. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor base and wait several minutes before attempting removal again.
7. 7

   Clean the sensor bore
   Once the old sensor is removed, use a wire brush and brake parts cleaner to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the axle housing. Remove all dirt, rust, and debris to ensure the new sensor seats properly and maintains correct air gap to the tone ring. Inspect the bore for any damage or excessive corrosion.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new sensor
   Remove the new ABS sensor from its packaging. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the O-ring on the sensor body (if equipped). Do not touch the sensor tip. Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the bore in the axle housing, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force.
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Insert the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten it first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a 3/8 inch drive torque wrench and 8mm socket, tighten the ABS sensor bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). This torque specification is critical—do not exceed this value as overtightening can damage the sensor or mounting threads.
   Torque spec

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

    Route wiring and secure harness
    Route the sensor wiring harness along the same path as the original sensor, ensuring it does not contact any moving parts, hot components, or sharp edges. Reinstall all wiring retaining clips and brackets in their original positions. Ensure the wiring has adequate slack and is not stretched tight.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector halves and press them together firmly until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Using a 21mm socket, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheel, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 156.0 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wiring harness clips are properly secured and the harness is routed away from moving parts
2. Verify the electrical connector is fully locked and seated
3. Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification (10.0 Nm / 7.0 lb-ft)

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light turns off after a few seconds (normal bulb check)
• Using a diagnostic scan tool, check for any ABS fault codes and verify the new sensor is providing a signal
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to ensure the ABS system performs a self-check and the new sensor is functioning correctly
• Monitor for any ABS warning lights during the test drive
• If the ABS light remains illuminated, re-scan for codes and verify proper sensor installation and electrical connection

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