Replace the front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore proper anti-lock brake system function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification or Motorcraft BRAB-series sensor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If clearing stored ABS codes, connect OBD-II scanner before starting
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated jacking point. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands at the frame rails. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement.
2. 2

   Locate the ABS sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted to the steering knuckle near the wheel bearing hub. Identify the sensor body and trace the wire harness to locate the electrical connector, which is typically secured to a bracket on the upper control arm or frame rail.
3. 3

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Locate the sensor electrical connector approximately 12-18 inches from the sensor body. Press the retaining tab and pull the connector halves apart. If the connector is secured with a clip or tie, remove it. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4. 4

   Release wire harness routing clips
   Follow the sensor wire from the connector to the sensor body and release any routing clips or ties securing the harness to the brake hose, control arm, or frame. Use a flat-head screwdriver if necessary to gently pry clips open. Note the routing path for installation of the new sensor.
5. 5

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. The bolt threads into an aluminum boss, so removal should be smooth. If the bolt is corroded or stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before attempting removal.
6. 6

   Extract sensor from knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the steering knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body or use excessive force as the tone ring on the hub can be damaged. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow it to soak.
7. 7

   Clean sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush or shop towel to clean the sensor mounting bore in the steering knuckle, removing any dirt, rust, or debris. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper seating of the new sensor. Inspect the tone ring on the wheel hub for damage or debris and clean if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new ABS sensor
   Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the O-ring on the new sensor if equipped. Insert the new sensor straight into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without force. Align the mounting hole.
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Thread the sensor mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper engagement. Tighten the bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Do not exceed the specified torque as the aluminum boss can strip.
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure wire harness
    Route the sensor wire harness following the original path noted during removal. Ensure the wire does not contact moving parts, sharp edges, or heat sources. Secure the harness with all original clips and ties. Verify there is adequate slack for suspension movement.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Connect the sensor electrical connector by pushing the halves together until the retaining tab clicks into place. Tug gently on both sides to verify the connection is secure. Reinstall any connector clips or ties.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the sensor wire harness is properly secured and routed away from moving suspension components
2. Verify the electrical connector is fully engaged and locked
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during startup and then turns off
• If the ABS light remains on, use an OBD-II scanner to check for stored codes related to the replaced sensor
• Perform a test drive at low speed (15-20 mph) and apply moderate braking to allow the ABS module to verify sensor operation
• If codes were cleared, re-scan after test drive to confirm no new codes have set
• Verify proper wheel speed sensor signal by checking live data with a scan tool if available

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