This procedure covers the replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification - Motorcraft DY-1280 or equivalent
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. If available, use an OBD2 scan tool to identify which specific rear sensor has failed (left or right)
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel
   Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheel to access the brake assembly and sensor. Keep lug nuts in a clean location.
2. 2

   Locate the ABS sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle housing or backing plate, near the top or rear of the brake assembly. Follow the sensor wire from the wheel hub area to locate the sensor body and mounting bolt.
3. 3

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector along the sensor wire harness (typically near the frame rail or inner fender). Press the tab on the connector and pull apart to disconnect. Note the routing of the wire for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove wire routing clips
   Carefully release any wire routing clips or retainers that secure the sensor wire to the axle housing, brake line brackets, or frame. Use a plastic pry tool to avoid breaking clips. Take note of exact clip locations for proper reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the axle housing or backing plate. If the bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes before removal.
6. 6

   Extract the sensor
   Gently pull the sensor straight out of its bore in the axle housing. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, carefully wiggle it while pulling. Do not use excessive force or pry against the sensor body as this can damage the bore or break the sensor, leaving pieces inside.
   ⚠If sensor is severely corroded in place, applying gentle heat to the axle housing (not the sensor) may help. Avoid breaking the sensor off in the bore.
7. 7

   Clean sensor bore
   Use a wire brush and brake parts cleaner to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the axle housing. Remove all rust, debris, and old sensor material. The bore must be clean to ensure proper sensor seating and air gap.
8. 8

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove the new sensor from packaging. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the outer body of the sensor (not the tip). Do not apply grease or anti-seize to the sensor tip or reluctor ring on the axle shaft.
9. 9

   Install new sensor
   Insert the new sensor straight into the bore, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. There should be no gap between the sensor flange and the axle housing. Start the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
   ⚠Torque the ABS sensor bolt to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Do not overtighten - this is a critical specification to prevent sensor housing damage.
   Torque spec

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

    Route sensor wire
    Route the sensor wire along the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact the exhaust, driveshaft, or any moving suspension components. Secure the wire with all original routing clips and retainers. The wire must have adequate slack to accommodate suspension movement.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Reconnect the sensor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and start all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, perform final torque on the lug nuts in a star pattern to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wire routing clips are properly secured and wire has adequate slack for suspension travel
2. Verify sensor electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after driving 50-100 miles

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds (normal bulb check)
• If an OBD2 scan tool is available, check for stored ABS codes - there should be no active faults for the replaced sensor
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (under 15 mph in a safe area) and verify the ABS light does not illuminate
• Perform a gentle brake application to confirm ABS system is functioning - the ABS light should remain off
• If ABS light remains on, re-scan for codes to verify proper sensor installation and check for damaged wiring or poor connections

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