This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a damaged or worn ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, which requires removing the wheel hub assembly to access the tone ring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification for specific axle type
• Wheel hub assembly (if tone ring is integral) × 1 — Motorcraft or equivalent, RWD specification
• Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Verify which wheel has the damaged tone ring using diagnostic scan tool or visual inspection
7. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent ABS codes during sensor disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts securing the brake caliper to the bracket. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord - do not allow it to hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless replacement is required.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a dead blow hammer. Some rotors may have retaining clips or screws that must be removed first. Inspect rotor while removed and replace if worn beyond specification.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the wheel hub or along the frame rail. Press the connector release tab and carefully disconnect the sensor harness. Note the routing of the sensor wire for reinstallation. If removing the sensor from the hub, remove the mounting bolt (typically 8-10mm).
   ⚠ABS sensors are fragile. Do not pull on the wire - disconnect at the connector only.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   From the back side of the hub/spindle assembly, locate and remove the 4 hub mounting bolts. These bolts secure the hub bearing assembly to the axle housing or spindle. Use a breaker bar as these bolts are typically torqued to high specification. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly
   Pull the hub assembly away from the axle housing. If stuck due to corrosion, use a hub puller or slide hammer attached to the wheel studs. Do not pry against the ABS tone ring or sensor mounting surface. Once free, carefully remove the hub assembly and set on a clean work surface.
   ⚠Avoid striking the ABS tone ring during removal as this can damage the magnetic encoding.
6. 6

   Inspect tone ring configuration
   Examine the hub assembly to determine if the ABS tone ring is pressed onto the hub or integral to the hub bearing. If the tone ring is a separate pressed-on component, it can be removed and replaced. If integral (one-piece with hub), the entire hub assembly must be replaced. Look for damage, missing teeth, corrosion, or excessive runout on the tone ring surface.
7. 7

   Remove and replace tone ring (if serviceable)
   If the tone ring is serviceable: carefully press or drive the old tone ring off the hub using a press or appropriate driver tool. Clean the hub mounting surface thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush. Press the new tone ring onto the hub ensuring it is fully seated and square to the hub axis. Verify the tone ring spins freely and has no wobble. If tone ring is integral, proceed with new hub assembly.
   ⚠Ensure the tone ring is pressed on completely straight. Any misalignment will cause ABS sensor faults and poor performance.
8. 8

   Clean hub mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the axle housing hub mounting surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, debris, and old thread locker. Inspect the mounting surface for damage or excessive wear. Clean the back side of the hub assembly mounting flange as well.
9. 9

   Install hub assembly
   Position the hub assembly (with new or replacement tone ring) onto the axle housing, aligning the bolt holes. Apply a light coating of anti-seize to the hub mounting surface (not the bolt threads). Install all 4 hub mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque in a cross pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 110-130 Nm, consult service manual for exact value as not provided in torque list).
10. 10

    Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
    If the sensor was removed from the hub, clean the sensor tip with brake cleaner (do not use abrasives) and install into the hub mounting hole. Torque the mounting bolt to specification. Verify proper air gap between sensor and tone ring (typically 0.5-1.5mm - sensor should not contact tone ring). Route the sensor wire properly and reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. If rotor has directional marking or pilot hole, verify correct orientation. Install any retaining clips or screws if equipped.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support and position it over the brake rotor and caliper bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolts as specified. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Ensure caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, aligning the holes with the studs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Lower the vehicle from jack stands, then perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake feel before driving
3. Verify ABS warning light extinguishes after starting vehicle and briefly driving
4. Check for any unusual noises from the wheel bearing or ABS system during initial test drive

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify ABS warning light turns off within a few seconds (normal bulb check)
• Use diagnostic scan tool to verify ABS wheel speed sensor is reading properly and no DTCs are stored
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (5-10 mph) and verify ABS sensor provides consistent signal - no erratic speedometer or ABS light
• Perform gentle ABS activation test in safe area to confirm system functions properly
• Inspect for any leaks around brake components and verify caliper operation is normal
• Verify wheel rotates freely with no binding or unusual noise from hub bearing area

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