This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor mounting bolt (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the front ABS wheel speed sensor
   The ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the back side of the steering knuckle near the wheel bearing hub assembly. The sensor wire runs up through clips along the suspension components toward the wheel well. Visually inspect the sensor and wiring harness for visible damage or corrosion.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness up to the electrical connector located in the wheel well area. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector apart. If the connector is corroded or difficult to separate, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the locking tab while pulling the connector halves apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Release wire harness clips
   The sensor wire is secured to the vehicle frame and suspension components by multiple plastic clips or retaining brackets. Starting from the connector and working toward the sensor, carefully release each clip by pressing the release tab or prying gently with a trim tool. Note the routing of the wire harness for reinstallation.
   ⚠Take care not to break plastic retaining clips, especially on older vehicles where they may be brittle.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. The bolt may be corroded in place. If stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes before attempting removal. Keep the bolt if it is in good condition for reuse.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the mounting hole in the steering knuckle. The sensor may be held in place by corrosion or magnetized metal particles. Use a gentle twisting and pulling motion if needed. Do not pry against the sensor body as this can damage it. If extremely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow to soak.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the sensor tone ring (reluctor wheel) on the hub assembly. Do not strike or pry against it.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush or sandpaper to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting hole in the steering knuckle. Remove all rust, corrosion, and metal particles. This ensures proper sensor positioning and prevents false ABS codes. Wipe clean with a rag.
7. 7

   Inspect the tone ring
   Examine the toothed tone ring (reluctor wheel) on the wheel bearing hub for damage, missing teeth, or excessive buildup of metal particles. Clean the tone ring surface with a clean rag if needed. Any damage to the tone ring will require wheel bearing hub replacement.
8. 8

   Install the new ABS sensor
   Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the new sensor straight into the mounting hole until it seats fully against the knuckle. Ensure the sensor is completely seated before installing the bolt.
9. 9

   Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt
   Insert the ABS sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). This is a low torque specification and critical to prevent sensor damage. Do not overtighten.
   ⚠Overtightening can crack the sensor housing or deform the mounting bracket, causing immediate or premature sensor failure.
   Torque spec

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

    Route and secure the sensor wiring
    Route the sensor wire harness following the original path noted during disassembly. Secure the wire in all original retaining clips and brackets. Ensure the wire has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel or steering movement.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Plug the sensor electrical connector back together until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
12. 12

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to 136.0 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is torqued correctly to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
2. Verify all wire harness clips are secured and the wire has proper routing with no interference
3. Ensure wheel lug nuts are properly torqued to 136.0 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light turns off after a few seconds (normal system check)
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored ABS fault codes and clear if only old codes are present
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph to allow the ABS system to verify sensor operation
• After test drive, recheck for ABS warning lights or stored codes
• If available, use a scan tool with live data to verify the wheel speed sensor is providing a signal that matches the other three sensors during driving

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