This procedure covers the replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbocharged engine, requiring wheel removal and sensor replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels to prevent rolling
3. If available, clear any existing ABS codes with an OBD-II scanner to verify the exact fault location
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel
   Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point. Secure the vehicle on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the wheel.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Locate the ABS sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted to the rear knuckle assembly behind the brake rotor. Identify the sensor body and the electrical connector routing along the suspension components. The sensor is positioned near the wheel bearing hub.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness from the sensor toward the vehicle body. Locate the electrical connector, typically secured with a clip or mounted to a bracket. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the wire harness for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove harness routing clips
   Remove any wire harness clips or retainers securing the sensor cable to the suspension components, brake line, or chassis. Carefully pull the harness free from all mounting points to provide access to the sensor.
5. 5

   Remove sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the rear knuckle. If the bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before removal. Keep the bolt if it is in good condition for reuse or replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract the sensor
   Carefully pull the ABS sensor straight out of the knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Avoid using excessive force or prying tools that could damage the knuckle bore or wheel bearing.
   ⚠Do not strike or pry against the sensor, as this can damage the knuckle mounting bore or the wheel bearing.
7. 7

   Clean mounting bore
   Clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle using a wire brush or cleaning brush to remove any corrosion, debris, or old grease. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper seating of the new sensor.
8. 8

   Install new sensor
   Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the new ABS sensor into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. The sensor should slide in smoothly without forcing.
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor bolt
   Install the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not exceed this specification as overtightening can crack the sensor housing or damage the mounting threads.
   ⚠Critical: Do not overtighten. Use a torque wrench and tighten to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect harness
    Route the sensor wire harness along the original path, securing it with all clips and retainers. Ensure the harness has adequate slack and will not contact moving suspension components, the brake rotor, or exhaust. Connect the electrical connector until it clicks into place.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent rotation. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern, then fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wire harness clips are properly secured and the sensor cable has adequate slack
2. Verify the sensor is fully seated in the knuckle bore and the mounting bolt is torqued correctly
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after lowering the vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light follows its normal self-check sequence (illuminates briefly then extinguishes)
• If an OBD-II scanner is available, check for any ABS fault codes and clear them if necessary
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (above 5-10 mph) to allow the ABS system to verify sensor operation
• After test drive, verify the ABS warning light remains off
• If the light remains on, re-scan for codes to verify proper sensor installation and electrical connection

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