This procedure covers the replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including proper installation and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS sensor and connector
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle housing near the brake backing plate. Trace the sensor wire from the sensor body to locate the electrical connector, which is typically secured to a bracket on the axle housing or frame rail approximately 12-18 inches from the sensor.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the ABS sensor connector and carefully pull apart the two halves. If the connector is difficult to separate due to corrosion, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring itself. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove wire routing clips
   Release the sensor wire from any routing clips or brackets along the axle housing and frame. Note the routing path for reinstallation. The wire must be routed away from moving components, heat sources, and sharp edges.
4. 4

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using an 8mm socket or wrench, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the axle housing. The sensor may be tight due to corrosion. If stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes before attempting removal.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract the ABS sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the axle housing bore. Use a gentle twisting motion if resistance is felt, but do not use excessive force. If the sensor is seized, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and wait 10-15 minutes before attempting removal again. Avoid prying against the sensor body or axle housing.
6. 6

   Clean sensor bore and inspect tone ring
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the axle housing. Remove all rust, debris, and old sealant. Spray with electrical contact cleaner and wipe clean. Visually inspect the tone ring on the axle shaft for damage, missing teeth, or excessive rust buildup. The tone ring should have evenly spaced teeth with no chips or cracks.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect for damage. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the sensor body (not the tip) where it contacts the axle housing bore. Do not apply any lubricant to the sensor tip or tone ring. Apply dielectric grease to the connector terminals if desired.
8. 8

   Install new ABS sensor
   Insert the new sensor straight into the axle housing bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without forcing. Align the mounting hole and start the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque sensor mounting bolt
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS sensor mounting bolt to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). This is a low torque specification threading into aluminum - do not overtighten or the threads will strip. Verify the sensor is seated flush against the axle housing.
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure sensor wire
    Route the sensor wire following the original path, ensuring it is secured in all original clips and brackets. Verify the wire has adequate slack and will not be stretched, pinched, or contact any moving parts during suspension travel. The wire should not contact the driveshaft, exhaust, or brake components.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the ABS sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place fully. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked. Ensure the connector seal is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but still supports most of the vehicle weight. Torque the lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify sensor wire routing does not interfere with suspension or drivetrain components
3. Ensure wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates during bulb check, then extinguishes after 3-5 seconds
• Drive the vehicle above 15 mph to allow the ABS system to perform self-diagnostics and verify the ABS light remains off
• If available, use a scan tool to read ABS sensor data and confirm the replaced sensor is generating a signal
• Perform a test drive with gentle braking to ensure ABS system functions normally without warning lights
• If ABS warning light remains on, retrieve fault codes with a scan tool to diagnose the issue

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