This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS wheel speed sensor (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected front wheel while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at appropriate jacking point
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove the front wheel completely
6. Turn steering wheel to gain better access to sensor area if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the steering knuckle behind the brake rotor. Identify the sensor body and the electrical connector with wiring harness routing up toward the frame rail.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness to locate the electrical connector. Press the locking tab and pull the connector apart. If connector is difficult to separate, use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully release the locking mechanism. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Remove wiring harness clips
   Trace the sensor wiring from the sensor to the connector and remove any retaining clips or routing brackets that secure the harness to the knuckle, control arm, or frame. Note the routing path for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. The bolt threads directly into the knuckle casting. Keep the bolt for comparison with the new sensor hardware.
5. 5

   Extract the sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body or use excessive force. If necessary, apply penetrating oil around the sensor base and wait 10-15 minutes before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle, removing any rust, debris, or corrosion. Clean the mounting surface around the bore as well. Spray electrical contact cleaner into the bore and wipe dry. Inspect the tone ring on the wheel bearing for damage or debris.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor
   Compare the new sensor with the old unit to verify correct part. Check that the new sensor has the correct connector type and wire length. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the O-ring or sealing surface of the new sensor if applicable.
8. 8

   Install new sensor
   Insert the new ABS sensor into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully and squarely. The sensor should slide in smoothly without forcing. Align the mounting bolt hole in the sensor bracket with the threaded hole in the knuckle.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolt
   Thread the ABS sensor mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to specification. This is critical - the aluminum knuckle threads are easily damaged by overtightening.
   ⚠Use exact torque specification - overtightening will strip the aluminum threads in the knuckle
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure wiring harness
    Route the sensor wiring harness following the original path noted during removal. Ensure the wire does not contact any moving components, sharp edges, or heat sources. Reinstall all retaining clips and brackets to secure the harness properly. Leave appropriate slack to allow for suspension movement.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Clean both halves of the electrical connector with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Connect the sensor wiring harness to the vehicle harness connector, ensuring it clicks firmly into place and the locking tab engages completely. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel back onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly against the mounting surface. Thread all lug nuts by hand before tightening. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation during final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification once vehicle weight is on the wheel
2. Verify all wiring harness clips are properly secured and the wire has adequate clearance from moving parts
3. Double-check that the electrical connector is fully engaged and locked

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during the bulb check, then extinguishes after 2-3 seconds
• Use a scan tool to check for ABS diagnostic trouble codes - there should be no codes present
• Perform a test drive at speeds above 5-10 mph to allow the ABS system to read all wheel speed sensors
• Monitor the ABS warning light during the test drive - it should remain off
• Use a scan tool to view live data and confirm the replaced sensor is providing a speed signal that matches the other wheel speeds

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