ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or frame rail
5. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight
6. Remove the rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle housing near the brake backing plate or on the differential housing depending on axle type. Identify the sensor body and the wire harness routing from the sensor to the connector.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness to locate the electrical connector, typically located on the axle housing or frame rail. Press the connector release tab and pull the connector apart. If corroded, gently wiggle while pulling to separate.
3. 3

   Remove wire harness routing clips
   The sensor wire is secured to the axle housing or frame with plastic routing clips or brackets. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully release these clips without breaking them. Note the routing path for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Apply penetrating oil if necessary
   If the sensor appears corroded or has been in place for an extended period, spray penetrating oil around the sensor body where it enters the axle housing. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetration before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm wrench or socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the axle housing. The bolt may be corroded, so apply steady pressure to avoid stripping the head.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract the sensor from the housing
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of its bore in the axle housing. If resistance is felt, gently twist the sensor while pulling. Do not use excessive force as this may damage the bore. If seized, apply additional penetrating oil and wait longer.
   ⚠Avoid bending or twisting the sensor excessively as the internal components are fragile.
7. 7

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion, rust, or debris from the sensor mounting bore in the axle housing. Ensure the bore is clean and free of obstructions so the new sensor seats properly. Wipe clean with a rag.
8. 8

   Prepare the new sensor
   Remove the new ABS sensor from its packaging. If desired, apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring (if equipped) to aid installation and future removal. Do not apply anti-seize or heavy grease as this can interfere with sensor operation.
9. 9

   Install the new sensor
   Insert the new ABS sensor into the mounting bore, ensuring it is fully seated. The sensor should slide in smoothly and sit flush against the mounting surface. Align the bolt hole.
10. 10

    Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt
    Thread the mounting bolt by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS sensor bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not exceed this specification as overtightening can damage the sensor or mounting boss.
    ⚠Critical: Do not overtighten. Use a torque wrench and verify the 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft) specification.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Route and secure the wire harness
    Route the sensor wire harness along the original path, ensuring it is clear of rotating components, exhaust, and suspension travel. Reinstall all routing clips and brackets to secure the wire properly and prevent chafing.
12. 12

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Plug the sensor electrical connector back together until it clicks into place. Ensure the connection is secure and the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
13. 13

    Reinstall the wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle slightly so the tire contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 156.0 Nm (115.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle completely and remove jack stands
2. Perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts after lowering
3. Clear any stored ABS trouble codes using an OBD-II scan tool if available

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during the bulb check, then extinguishes within a few seconds
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (5-10 mph) to allow the ABS system to perform a self-check and verify sensor operation
• Use an OBD-II scan tool to verify no ABS-related trouble codes are present
• Perform a controlled light brake application to confirm ABS system is functioning properly and no warning lights remain illuminated

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle