This procedure covers the replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, which requires removal of the wheel hub assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by wheel position
• Wheel hub assembly (if tone ring is integral) × 1 — Use OEM specification - many tone rings are pressed onto hub
• Brake caliper bracket bolts × 2 — Replace if threadlocker damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front, or front wheels if working on rear
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Inspect ABS sensor and wiring for damage - clean sensor tip with brake cleaner if contaminated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the brake caliper to the bracket. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and secure it to the suspension or frame using a caliper hanger or heavy wire. Do not disconnect the brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. Remove the bracket and set aside. Note the location of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reassembly.
   ℹ️These bolts typically have threadlocker applied from factory and may require significant force to remove.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor off the wheel hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two appropriately-sized bolts into the threaded holes in the rotor face to push it off the hub. Do not hammer directly on rotor surface.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the wheel well or frame rail. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove any mounting clips or brackets securing the sensor wire to prevent damage during hub removal. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub or knuckle.
   ⚠ABS sensors are fragile. Do not pry on the sensor body. If seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove axle nut or hub mounting bolts
   For front hubs: Remove the large axle shaft nut in the center of the hub (if RWD with 4WD option) or access the hub mounting bolts from behind the knuckle. For rear hubs: Remove the four bolts securing the hub to the axle flange from the backside. Note that this procedure assumes RWD configuration without front drive axles.
   ℹ️Front RWD F-150s typically have hub bolts accessible from behind. Rear hubs have four bolts accessible from the brake side.
6. 6

   Remove wheel hub assembly
   Using a hub puller or slide hammer with appropriate adapters, remove the wheel hub from the knuckle or axle. The hub may be press-fit and require significant force. If working on rear axle, pull hub straight off the axle flange. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
   ⚠Do not hammer directly on hub bearing or ABS tone ring as this will damage components.
7. 7

   Inspect tone ring configuration
   Examine the ABS tone ring on the removed hub. Determine if it is pressed onto the hub as a separate component or integral to the hub casting. If the tone ring is integral (cast or machined into the hub), the entire hub assembly must be replaced. If it is a pressed-on ring, it can be removed and replaced separately.
   ⚠Most 2015-2020 F-150 hubs have integral tone rings. Verify before attempting to separate components.
8. 8

   Remove and replace tone ring (if serviceable)
   If tone ring is serviceable: Use a press or careful application of heat and leverage to remove the old tone ring from the hub. Clean the hub surface thoroughly. Press the new tone ring onto the hub ensuring it is fully seated and oriented correctly with teeth facing the sensor. If tone ring is integral: Proceed with new hub assembly installation.
   ⚠️If using heat, do not exceed 150°C (300°F) to avoid damaging hub bearing seals. Apply heat to tone ring only, not hub body.
   ⚠Ensure tone ring teeth orientation matches original. Incorrect installation will cause ABS malfunction.
9. 9

   Install wheel hub assembly
   Clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle or axle with brake cleaner and wire brush. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the mounting surface (not on bolt threads). Position the hub assembly and align mounting holes. Install mounting bolts or axle nut finger-tight. Ensure hub is fully seated before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque hub mounting fasteners
    Tighten the hub mounting bolts or axle nut to manufacturer specification using a torque wrench. For rear hubs with four-bolt pattern, torque in a cross pattern. For front hubs, follow torque specification for your specific hub configuration. Verify hub has no lateral play after torquing.
    ℹ️Hub bolt torque specifications vary by position and year. Consult factory service manual for exact values not provided in this database.
11. 11

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore with brake cleaner. Inspect the sensor O-ring or seal and replace if damaged. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor into the bore ensuring it seats fully against the stop. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Route the sensor wire in the original path and secure all clips.
    ⚠Do not allow metal debris or brake dust to enter the sensor bore. Contamination will cause sensor failure.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, aligning the rotor holes with the wheel studs. Ensure rotor sits flat against the hub face. If equipped, install rotor retention screws or clips.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket onto the knuckle or axle housing. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as specified. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in an alternating pattern.
    ℹ️Threadlocker is recommended by manufacturer to prevent bracket bolt loosening under braking loads.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin threads and contact surfaces. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and align with the bracket. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Remove the caliper hanger or support wire. Verify caliper moves freely on slide pins.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (not circular). Perform initial torque at 50%, then final torque at 100%. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove stands. With vehicle on ground, re-torque lug nuts in star pattern to verify proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect ABS sensor electrical connector and verify secure connection
2. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Verify brake caliper is properly secured and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
4. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake pad position before moving vehicle

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify ABS warning light illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes
• Using a diagnostic scan tool, read ABS system for any trouble codes related to wheel speed sensors
• Perform a test drive at low speed (under 15 mph) and verify speedometer function and absence of ABS warning light
• Perform a controlled ABS activation test in a safe area to verify proper tone ring operation - all wheels should show speed signal
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• If ABS light remains on, verify tone ring air gap to sensor is within specification (typically 0.5-1.5mm) and check for damage to tone ring teeth

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