Replace the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on the front hub assembly to restore proper ABS sensor operation and eliminate ABS warning lights caused by damaged or corroded tone rings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Dorman 917-540 or OEM equivalent
• Hub bearing assembly (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray caliper bolts and bracket bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the caliper to the bracket. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. Remove the brake pads and hardware. Set the bracket and pads aside in a clean area.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it from behind. If severely corroded, thread bolts into the threaded holes (if equipped) to force the rotor off. Do not hammer directly on the hub or tone ring area.
   ⚠Do not strike the hub center or ABS sensor area as this can damage the tone ring or hub bearing.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the top of the knuckle or inner fender well. Press the release tab and disconnect the sensor connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Inspect sensor tip for damage.
   ℹ️Note the air gap between sensor and tone ring teeth (typically 0.5-1.5mm). Clean any metal debris from sensor tip before reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly
   Remove the four hub bearing mounting bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Carefully pull the hub assembly straight out from the knuckle. If stuck, use gentle prying behind the hub flange. Avoid damaging the knuckle bore or hub mounting surface.
   ⚠Support the hub assembly as the last bolt is removed to prevent it from falling and causing injury.
6. 6

   Remove damaged tone ring
   Using a hydraulic press or hub bearing press, carefully press the old ABS tone ring off the hub assembly. Apply pressure evenly around the ring. The old tone ring will be destroyed during removal and cannot be reused. Clean the hub surface thoroughly with brake parts cleaner and a wire brush to remove all rust, debris, and old tone ring material.
   ⚠Support the hub bearing assembly properly in the press to avoid damaging the bearing races. Apply force only to the tone ring, not the bearing.
7. 7

   Inspect hub bearing
   Thoroughly inspect the hub bearing assembly for any damage that may have occurred during tone ring removal. Check for cracks, gouges, or deformation on the mounting surface. Spin the bearing by hand to verify smooth rotation with no grinding or roughness. Replace hub assembly if any damage is found.
   ℹ️A damaged hub bearing will cause premature tone ring failure and ABS malfunction. Replace the entire hub assembly if bearing integrity is questionable.
8. 8

   Install new tone ring
   Position the new ABS tone ring on the hub assembly in the correct orientation (teeth facing outward toward sensor). Using a hydraulic press with a tone ring installation tool or appropriately sized drift, press the new tone ring onto the hub until it seats fully against the hub shoulder. Apply even pressure around the entire circumference. Verify the tone ring is seated completely and sits perpendicular to the hub axis.
   ⚠️Ensure the tone ring is properly aligned before applying full press force. Misalignment can destroy the new tone ring and damage the hub bearing.
   ℹ️Press only on the flat back surface of the tone ring, never on the teeth. Use a drift or installation tool that contacts the full ring surface evenly.
9. 9

   Reinstall hub assembly
   Clean the knuckle bore and hub mounting surface. Insert the hub assembly into the steering knuckle, aligning all mounting holes. Install the four hub mounting bolts from the rear and torque to specification per service manual (typically 136-149 Nm but verify for your specific year). Install bolts in a cross pattern for even seating.
   ℹ️Ensure the hub is fully seated in the knuckle bore before tightening bolts. The tone ring teeth should face outward toward where the sensor mounts.
10. 10

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor mounting bore in the knuckle with brake parts cleaner. Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the sensor carefully into the bore, ensuring it seats fully. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Verify proper air gap between sensor tip and tone ring teeth (should be self-adjusting). Reconnect the sensor electrical connector.
    ⚠Do not force the sensor into the bore. If resistance is felt, remove and check for debris or damage to the sensor or bore.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face with a wire brush to remove any rust or debris. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it sits flat against the hub face. Verify the rotor has no excessive runout or wobble.
    ℹ️Clean rotor surfaces with brake parts cleaner to remove any protective oil coating before final installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket on the steering knuckle. Apply threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install both bracket bolts and torque in a cross pattern to specification.
    ℹ️Threadlocker is recommended per manufacturer specification to prevent bracket bolt loosening.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake pads and caliper
    Install brake pad hardware and brake pads into the caliper bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins. Position the caliper over the brake pads and install the two caliper slide pin bolts. Torque to specification.
    ℹ️Ensure brake pads are properly seated in the bracket before installing caliper. Verify caliper slides freely on the pins.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, aligning all lug nut holes. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Lower the vehicle to the ground and perform final torque check on lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Pump brake pedal several times until firm before moving vehicle
2. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off if necessary
3. Repeat procedure on opposite side if replacing both tone rings

Verification

• Start the engine and verify ABS warning light extinguishes after 3-5 seconds
• Perform a test drive at low speed (under 10 mph) in a safe area to verify ABS system initializes
• Use a scan tool to verify the ABS wheel speed sensor is reading properly and producing a clean signal
• Verify no ABS fault codes are present in the vehicle's diagnostic system
• Test brake operation at various speeds to confirm normal ABS function

More procedures for this vehicle