This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM Motorcraft specification
• Plastic retaining clips (if broken) × 1 — Ford part if damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted to the steering knuckle near the wheel bearing hub. Identify the sensor body and follow the wiring harness back toward the frame rail where it connects to the vehicle harness.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Trace the sensor wire to the electrical connector located along the frame rail or inner fender area. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector from the vehicle harness. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove wiring harness retaining clips
   Using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool, carefully release any plastic retaining clips securing the sensor wiring harness to the brake line, frame, or steering components. Note the routing for reinstallation. Avoid pulling the wire with excessive force as this can damage internal connections.
4. 4

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using an 8mm socket or wrench, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak for several minutes before attempting removal.
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the mounting hole in the steering knuckle. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body as this can break the plastic housing. The sensor tone ring remains attached to the wheel hub and should not be removed.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting hole in the steering knuckle, removing any rust, dirt, or debris. Ensure the mounting surface is clean to allow proper seating of the new sensor. Check the tone ring on the wheel hub for damage or excessive rust buildup.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Remove the new sensor from packaging and inspect for any shipping damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals if desired. Do not apply grease or anti-seize to the sensor tip or mounting body as this can affect sensor operation.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Insert the new sensor straight into the mounting hole in the steering knuckle, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. Align the mounting hole and start the bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
9. 9

   Torque the sensor mounting bolt
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS sensor mounting bolt to specification. Do not exceed the specified torque as overtightening can crack the sensor housing or strip the threads in the aluminum knuckle.
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure the wiring harness
    Route the sensor wiring harness following the original path noted during removal. Ensure the wire is not twisted, kinked, or in contact with any moving parts, sharp edges, or heat sources. Reinstall all plastic retaining clips to secure the harness properly.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Clean the mating connector on the vehicle harness with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Connect the sensor electrical connector to the vehicle harness, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages properly.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, tighten the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground using the floor jack
2. Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle
3. Perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during the bulb check and then turns off
• Use a diagnostic scan tool to check for ABS fault codes and verify the new sensor is communicating properly
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to ensure the ABS system initializes and the warning light remains off
• Perform a controlled stop from moderate speed to verify normal brake and ABS operation

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