This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

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. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear ABS sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear knuckle assembly, behind the brake dust shield. The sensor wire routes up through clips along the trailing arm and connects to the chassis wiring harness near the rear suspension tower.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire from the sensor to the connector located in the wheel well area. Press the locking tab and pull the connector apart. If corroded, carefully work the connector loose without damaging the terminals.
3. 3

   Release the sensor wire from routing clips
   Carefully release the sensor wire from any retaining clips along the trailing arm and chassis. Use a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool if needed to pry clips open gently. Note the routing path for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the rear knuckle. The sensor may be tight in its bore due to corrosion. If stuck, gently wiggle the sensor while pulling outward. Do not pry against the sensor body.
   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 bore in the knuckle. Avoid twisting or bending the sensor. If seized due to corrosion, apply penetrating oil around the sensor base and allow to soak for several minutes before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore and tone ring
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle, removing any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect the tone ring on the hub assembly for damage, cracks, or missing teeth. Clean any metal shavings or debris from the tone ring surface with electrical contact cleaner.
7. 7

   Prepare and install the new sensor
   Apply a thin coating of dielectric grease to the new sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring it seats fully against the knuckle. The sensor tip should sit approximately 0.5-1.5mm from the tone ring teeth.
8. 8

   Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt
   Install the sensor mounting bolt and tighten by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Do not exceed the specified torque as the aluminum mounting boss can crack.
   ⚠Overtightening will crack the sensor mounting boss or strip the threads in the knuckle
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Route and secure the sensor wire
   Route the sensor wire following the original path, ensuring it does not contact any moving suspension components or sharp edges. Secure the wire in all original retaining clips. Verify adequate slack for full suspension travel.
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Connect the sensor electrical connector to the chassis harness connector. Ensure the locking tab clicks into place securely. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully seated.
11. 11

    Reinstall the wheel
    Reinstall the rear wheel, starting all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands, then lower vehicle to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque and clear codes
    With vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored ABS fault codes from the vehicle's computer.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure sensor wire is properly routed and secured in all clips with adequate slack for suspension movement
2. Verify sensor electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after test drive

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light goes out after a few seconds
• Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no ABS fault codes are present
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to allow the ABS system to self-test
• Verify no ABS, traction control, or stability control warning lights remain illuminated
• Perform a low-speed brake test to confirm ABS function if safe to do so

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