This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including proper routing and connector service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — 57455-TBA-A01 (LH) or 57450-TBA-A01 (RH)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position (do not disconnect battery as this may trigger additional fault codes)
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at proper jacking points
6. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and access the ABS sensor connector
   Locate the ABS sensor electrical connector in the wheel well area. It is typically secured near the strut tower or inner fender well with a plastic clip. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector from the vehicle harness. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
2. 2

   Remove sensor wire routing clips
   Trace the sensor wire from the connector down to the knuckle. Remove any plastic routing clips or brackets securing the wire to the strut, brake line, or chassis. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation. The wire typically has 2-3 clips along its path.
3. 3

   Clean the sensor mounting area
   Use a wire brush or brake cleaner to remove any road debris, rust, or corrosion from around the sensor mounting bolt head. This ensures proper access and prevents contamination from falling into the mounting bore during removal.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, carefully remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt from the steering knuckle. The bolt is located on the back side of the knuckle, behind the brake rotor assembly. Keep the bolt for inspection or replacement if corroded.
5. 5

   Extract the ABS sensor
   Gently pull the sensor straight out of the mounting bore in the steering knuckle. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Do not use excessive force or pry tools as this can damage the knuckle bore. If severely corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.
   ⚠The sensor bore is precision-machined aluminum. Avoid scratching or damaging the bore surface as this affects sensor air gap and performance
6. 6

   Inspect and clean the mounting bore
   Inspect the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle for damage, excessive corrosion, or metal debris. Clean the bore thoroughly using brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth. The bore must be clean and smooth for proper sensor seating. Check that the sensor reluctor ring on the back of the hub is clean and undamaged.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor for installation
   Compare the new sensor to the old one to verify correct part. Inspect the sensor tip for any shipping damage or debris. Apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to the sensor body where it contacts the knuckle (do not apply to the sensor tip itself). If using dielectric grease, apply a small amount to the electrical connector pins.
8. 8

   Install the new ABS sensor
   Insert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without resistance. Align the mounting hole and start the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper threading.
9. 9

   Torque the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS sensor mounting bolt to specification. This is a critical torque value - overtightening can crack the sensor housing or damage the aluminum knuckle threads.
   ⚠Do not exceed 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). This is a low torque value for a small bolt into aluminum
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure the sensor wire
    Route the sensor wire along the original path noted during removal, ensuring it does not contact the CV axle, brake rotor, or suspension components during wheel travel. Reinstall all routing clips and brackets securely. The wire should have slight slack but not hang loosely.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Reconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector to the vehicle harness. Ensure the connector clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Gently tug on the connector (not the wires) to verify it is secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel
    Reinstall the front wheel, starting all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation, then torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
2. Perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts after lowering
3. Do not drive the vehicle until ABS system verification is complete

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes during the bulb check
• Start the engine and confirm the ABS warning light remains off
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for ABS fault codes. Clear any stored codes related to the replaced sensor
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph to allow the ABS system to perform a self-check and verify the new sensor is reading properly
• After test drive, re-check for ABS warning lights or stored fault codes
• Verify proper sensor wire routing by turning the steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary, listening for any rubbing or interference sounds

More procedures for this vehicle