brakes
ABS Tone Ring
for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.0 h
Tools
15
Steps
12
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Replace the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, which involves removing the wheel hub assembly to access and replace the damaged or corroded tone ring.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be properly supported on jack stands rated for the weight of an S65 AMG (over 4800 lbs). Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Many S65 AMG models have integrated tone rings that cannot be separated from the hub assembly. Verify serviceability before beginning disassembly to avoid unnecessary work.
⚠ABS system must be scanned before and after repair to confirm fault code clearing and proper sensor operation. Driving with ABS faults can compromise vehicle safety.
ℹ️This procedure assumes rear axle tone ring replacement, which is more common. Front axle requires additional steering knuckle removal steps.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Breaker barEssential
Hub puller setEssential
Caliper hanger or wireEssential
Brake cleanerEssential
Silicone brake greaseEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by front/rear position
- Wheel hub assembly (if tone ring not serviceable separately) × 1 — Use OEM specification - A2213570101 or similar
- Hub retaining nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - replace if damaged
- Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated type
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Use diagnostic scanner to confirm which wheel has ABS tone ring fault (common codes: C1021, C1025, C1029, C1033)
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
- Lift vehicle at appropriate jacking point and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
- Remove wheel completely
- Clean wheel hub area thoroughly with brake cleaner to assess condition
Procedure
- 1Remove brake caliper and bracketSupport the brake caliper with a hanger or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Remove the caliper slide pin bolts and lift caliper off rotor. Then remove the caliper bracket bolts to remove the entire bracket assembly. Do not let caliper hang by brake hose.Torque specCaliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
- 2Remove brake rotorRemove the rotor set screw if equipped (T30 Torx). If rotor is seized to hub, use penetrating oil and tap gently with soft-face hammer around the hat section. Thread bolts into the rotor's threaded holes (if equipped) to press rotor off hub face.
- 3Remove hub retaining nut and backing plateRemove the center axle nut (requires large socket, typically 32-36mm). This nut is usually torqued to very high specification and may require breaker bar. Remove any backing plates or dust shields that obstruct access to hub mounting bolts.⚠Hub retaining nut torque is extremely high (over 300 Nm on many Mercedes models). Use appropriate length breaker bar to avoid injury.
- 4Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensorLocate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the wheel well or suspension component. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing release tab. Remove sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract sensor from hub or knuckle to prevent damage to sensor tip.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 5Remove hub mounting boltsAccess the hub mounting bolts from the back side of the hub assembly (typically 4 bolts). These may be accessible from behind the brake backing plate area. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the hub assembly.ℹ️On some S-Class configurations, partial suspension disassembly may be required for bolt access. Consult position-specific procedures if bolts are not accessible.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 6Extract wheel hub assemblyUse appropriate hub puller to extract the hub from the axle shaft and bearing assembly. Apply even pressure and avoid damaging the axle threads or bearing surfaces. If hub is severely corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before pulling.⚠Improper hub removal can damage wheel bearing, requiring additional costly repairs. Use proper pullers designed for Mercedes-Benz hubs.
- 7Inspect and remove tone ringInspect the tone ring for missing teeth, cracks, corrosion, or excessive runout. If tone ring is pressed onto hub, use appropriate press or careful hammer and drift work to remove without damaging hub surface. Clean all corrosion from hub mounting surface with wire brush.⚠Many S65 AMG hubs have integrated tone rings that cannot be separated. If tone ring is integral to hub, complete hub assembly must be replaced.
- 8Install new tone ring or hub assemblyIf installing separate tone ring, press new ring onto hub ensuring proper orientation (teeth facing sensor direction) and seated completely. If installing complete hub assembly, ensure all mating surfaces are clean and free of corrosion. Verify tone ring teeth are undamaged and properly formed.
- 9Reinstall hub assemblyGuide hub assembly back onto axle shaft and align with mounting bolt holes. Install hub mounting bolts and torque to specification. Install new hub retaining nut and torque to manufacturer specification (typically 300+ Nm - consult service manual for exact value).ℹ️Hub retaining nut torque is not provided in available spec list. Consult Mercedes-Benz service documentation for exact torque specification, typically 300-350 Nm for this model.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 10Reinstall ABS sensor and verify air gapClean ABS sensor tip with brake cleaner. Apply thin coat of high-temperature grease to sensor O-ring if equipped. Install sensor into hub or knuckle and torque mounting bolt to specification. Verify sensor-to-tone ring air gap is within specification (typically 0.5-1.5mm). Reconnect electrical connector ensuring positive lock engagement.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 11Reinstall brake componentsInstall brake rotor onto hub, ensuring proper seating. Install caliper bracket and torque bracket bolts to specification. Apply silicone brake grease to caliper slide pins as specified. Install caliper over rotor and torque slide pin bolts to specification.Torque specBracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall wheel and perform system checkInstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel well area
- Double-check all torque specifications were met, especially critical suspension and brake fasteners
- Do not drive vehicle until ABS system verification is complete
Verification
- Connect Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic tool and clear ABS fault codes
- Perform ABS self-test function to verify wheel speed sensor operation
- Road test vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to confirm ABS system recognizes wheel speed signal
- Re-scan for codes after test drive - no ABS codes should be present
- Verify ABS warning light extinguishes after engine start and remains off during driving
- Compare wheel speed readings from all four sensors during test drive - all should show similar values during straight-line driving