brakes

ABS Tone Ring

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

Replace the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L to restore proper anti-lock brake system functionality.

Warnings

⚠Verify whether the ABS tone ring is serviceable separately or integral to the wheel bearing hub assembly before beginning work. Many 2015 Forte hubs have integrated non-serviceable tone rings requiring complete hub replacement.

⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.

ℹ️The front and rear ABS tone rings may be different part numbers and configurations.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Lug wrench or impact wrenchEssential

Torque wrenchEssential

Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential

Brake caliper hanger or wireEssential

Pry bar or large flathead screwdriver

Wire brush

Bearing hub press tool or hydraulic pressEssential

Dial indicator or feeler gauge

Penetrating oil

Thread locker (medium strength)

Silicone brake greaseEssential

Parts

ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification for front or rear application
Wheel bearing hub assembly (if tone ring is integral) × 1 — Use OEM specification - confirm tone ring serviceability first

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
Remove wheel completely
Inspect ABS tone ring for damage, missing teeth, or rust buildup causing sensor errors

Procedure

1
Remove brake caliper
Remove the brake caliper by loosening the caliper slide pin bolts. Do not disconnect the brake line. Suspend the caliper from the suspension or chassis using a caliper hanger or sturdy wire to prevent strain on the brake hose.
Torque spec
Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2
Remove brake caliper bracket
Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle (front) or backing plate (rear). Remove the bracket and rotor completely to access the wheel hub assembly.
Torque spec
Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
3
Remove wheel speed sensor
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub or knuckle. Note the sensor air gap and position for reassembly. Clean any debris from the sensor tip with a clean cloth.
⚠The ABS wheel speed sensor is fragile. Do not pry against the sensor body or use excessive force during removal.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4
Access wheel bearing hub assembly
For front: Remove the axle nut (will require high torque - typically 200+ Nm). For rear: Remove the brake backing plate if necessary. Remove the hub mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle or trailing arm to access the hub assembly.
5
Remove hub assembly from knuckle
Using a bearing hub press tool or carefully tapping with a soft mallet, separate the hub assembly from the steering knuckle (front) or trailing arm (rear). If the hub is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal. Support the assembly to prevent it from falling.
⚠Avoid striking the ABS tone ring directly as this can deform or crack it. Apply force only to the hub center or outer bearing race.
6
Remove or replace ABS tone ring
If the tone ring is press-fit onto the hub, use a bearing press to carefully remove it. If the tone ring is integral to the hub bearing assembly, the entire hub must be replaced. Clean the hub surface thoroughly with a wire brush before installing the new tone ring. Press the new tone ring onto the hub ensuring it seats completely and squarely against the shoulder.
⚠️Ensure the tone ring is pressed on squarely and completely seated. A cocked or partially seated tone ring will cause erratic ABS operation and potential brake failure.
ℹ️Verify tooth count and orientation match the original tone ring exactly. Installing the wrong tone ring will cause ABS fault codes.
7
Inspect and clean mating surfaces
Clean the knuckle bore and hub mating surfaces thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the knuckle bore for damage or wear. Check that the hub bearing rotates smoothly without roughness or play if reusing the original hub.
8
Install hub assembly
Press or carefully drive the hub assembly back into the steering knuckle or trailing arm, ensuring it seats fully and evenly. Install the hub mounting bolts from the rear and tighten to specification. For front hubs, install and torque the axle nut to manufacturer specification (not provided in database - consult service manual).
9
Reinstall wheel speed sensor
Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the wheel speed sensor O-ring or tip (if applicable). Install the sensor into the hub or knuckle bore, ensuring proper air gap is maintained (typically 0.5-1.5mm). Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector.
ℹ️Do not apply excessive grease to the sensor tip as this can interfere with the magnetic field and cause false readings.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10
Reinstall brake components
Install the brake rotor. Apply thread locker to the caliper bracket bolts as recommended. Install the caliper bracket and torque bolts to specification. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins and install the caliper, torquing slide pin bolts to specification.
Torque spec
Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall wheel
Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper caliper piston position before driving
Verify the wheel speed sensor air gap is within specification using a feeler gauge if possible
Repeat procedure for opposite side if both tone rings require replacement for even ABS performance

Verification

Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates during startup and then extinguishes after a few seconds
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for ABS fault codes - there should be no active codes related to wheel speed sensors
Test drive the vehicle at low speed (15-20 mph) in a safe area and lightly apply brakes to verify smooth operation without ABS activation on dry pavement
Perform a controlled ABS activation test at safe speed to confirm the system pulses properly and the warning light does not illuminate
Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving