This procedure covers the replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD, which requires removal of the wheel hub assembly to access the tone ring mounted on the back of the hub or axle shaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification for proper ABS function
• Wheel bearing and hub assembly (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper bracket bolts (if threadlocker fails) × 2 — M12 bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame rail points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
5. Verify which wheel has the faulty tone ring using a scan tool or visual inspection for damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake line. Do not let it hang by the brake hose. Then remove the two caliper bracket bolts to remove the bracket completely from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use two threaded holes (if equipped) to press the rotor off with bolts, or tap around the hat section with a rubber mallet. Do not strike the rotor face or ABS sensor area.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the steering knuckle or mounted near the hub. Disconnect the electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. Remove the mounting bolt securing the sensor and carefully pull the sensor straight out of the knuckle bore. Note the sensor gap and condition.
4. 4

   Remove axle shaft nut (4WD)
   For 4WD models, remove the center axle shaft nut. This is a large 36mm or 38mm nut that may be staked. Use a chisel or punch to unstake the nut if necessary. Have an assistant apply the brakes or use a pry bar against the studs to prevent rotation. Remove and discard the axle nut as it should not be reused.
   ⚠The axle shaft nut is torqued to very high specification. Use proper tools to avoid injury or damage.
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   Access the hub mounting bolts from behind the steering knuckle. There are typically three or four bolts securing the hub bearing assembly to the knuckle. Remove all mounting bolts completely. These bolts may be corroded and difficult to access.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub and bearing assembly
   Pull the hub and bearing assembly straight out of the steering knuckle. On 4WD models, the axle shaft will come through the center of the hub. If the hub is stuck, use a hub puller or slide hammer attached to the wheel studs to extract it. Do not pry against the ABS tone ring or sensor mounting surface.
   ⚠Support the axle shaft on 4WD models to prevent damage to the CV joint or inner seal when removing the hub.
7. 7

   Inspect and remove old tone ring
   With the hub removed, inspect the ABS tone ring location. The tone ring may be pressed onto the back of the hub bearing, mounted on the axle shaft, or integral to the hub unit. If pressed on, carefully use a chisel or cutting tool to split the old tone ring without damaging the hub surface. If integral to the hub, the entire hub assembly must be replaced. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush.
   ⚠Do not cut into the hub bearing surface. Score marks will cause premature bearing failure and ABS sensor reading errors.
8. 8

   Install new tone ring
   Position the new ABS tone ring onto the hub or axle shaft in the correct orientation (teeth facing the sensor side). Use a bearing race installer or appropriately sized socket to press the tone ring squarely onto the mounting surface. Apply even pressure around the entire circumference. Do not strike the ring directly with a hammer as this will damage the teeth. Verify the ring is fully seated and sits flush.
   ⚠Ensure the tone ring is pressed on straight. A cocked or tilted ring will cause erratic ABS sensor readings and ABS faults.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Clean the steering knuckle hub bore thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all rust, dirt, and old sealant. Inspect the bore for damage or excessive wear. Check that the ABS sensor bore is clean and free of debris. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the hub mounting surface (not the sensor area).
10. 10

    Install hub and bearing assembly
    On 4WD models, carefully align the hub assembly with the axle shaft splines and slide it onto the shaft while guiding it into the knuckle bore. Align the bolt holes and start all hub mounting bolts by hand. Tighten the mounting bolts evenly in a cross pattern to prevent cocking the hub.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install axle shaft nut (4WD)
    For 4WD models, install a new axle shaft nut. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically 184-258 Nm or 136-190 lb-ft, but verify in service manual as this is critical). Stake the nut into the axle shaft groove using a chisel and hammer to prevent loosening.
    ℹ️Axle shaft nut torque specification not provided in database. Consult factory service manual for correct value as this is a critical safety fastener.
12. 12

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor tip with brake cleaner and inspect for damage. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor straight into the knuckle bore until it seats against the stop. Install and snug the sensor mounting bolt. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
    ⚠Do not force the sensor. It should slide in easily. Forcing a sensor can damage the tone ring or sensor tip.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper bracket
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. Clean the rotor mounting surface and hub face before installation. Install the caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads as specified. Torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its hanger and position it over the rotor and bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolt threads and contact surfaces. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Verify the caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly onto the hub studs. Start all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern while the vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from moving parts
2. Verify the ABS sensor wire is not pinched or damaged and has proper clearance
3. Check that the brake caliper moves freely and pads are properly seated against the rotor

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during startup and then turns off
• Using a scan tool, check for ABS fault codes and verify the wheel speed sensor is reading properly
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (5-10 mph) and verify the ABS light does not illuminate
• Compare the suspected wheel speed sensor reading to the other wheels using live data to confirm proper operation
• Perform a careful test of ABS function in a safe area if necessary to confirm proper system operation

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