brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.3 h
Tools
12
Steps
11
Remove and replace the front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to restore proper anti-lock brake system functionality.
Warnings
⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
⚠Do not overtighten the ABS sensor bolt. Overtightening can crack the sensor housing or damage the mounting boss in the hub assembly.
ℹ️ABS sensors are magnetic and can attract metal particles. Clean the mounting area thoroughly before installation.
ℹ️Route sensor wiring exactly as original to prevent chafing or interference with suspension components.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Flat-head screwdriver or trim tool
Wire brush
Shop towels
Dielectric grease
Anti-seize compound
Scan tool or OBD-II reader
Parts
- Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Mopar 68281855AB or equivalent
- ABS sensor O-ring (if separate from sensor) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Turn ignition off and remove key
- If replacing sensor due to fault code, note the code for verification after repair
Procedure
- 1Raise and support vehicleLoosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly while vehicle is on ground. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated front lift points. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Remove the wheel lug nuts completely and remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.
- 2Locate ABS sensorIdentify the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted on the steering knuckle near the wheel hub assembly. The sensor is typically positioned at the rear of the knuckle with a single mounting bolt. Follow the wiring harness from the sensor to locate the electrical connector.
- 3Disconnect sensor electrical connectorLocate the sensor electrical connector, typically secured to a bracket or routing clip on the frame or upper control arm. Release any retaining clips holding the wiring harness in place. Press the connector lock tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 4Remove sensor wiring routing clipsTrace the sensor wiring from the sensor to the connector and remove all routing clips, brackets, or ties securing the wire to the suspension components, brake hose, or frame. Note the exact routing path for reinstallation. Use a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool if necessary to release plastic clips without breaking them.
- 5Remove ABS sensor mounting boltUsing an appropriate socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. The bolt threads into the knuckle behind the sensor. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal. Do not use excessive force that could damage the knuckle threads.
- 6Remove ABS sensor from knuckleCarefully pull the ABS sensor straight out from the steering knuckle bore. If the sensor is seized in place due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body or use the wiring as leverage. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow to soak, then retry removal.
- 7Clean sensor mounting boreUse a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the steering knuckle, removing any rust, corrosion, or metal particles. Clean the bolt threads in the knuckle as well. Wipe the area clean with a shop towel. Inspect the bore for damage that could prevent proper sensor seating.
- 8Prepare and install new sensorInspect the new sensor O-ring for damage and ensure it is properly seated in the sensor body groove. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the O-ring to aid installation and prevent future corrosion. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the mounting bolt threads. Carefully insert the sensor straight into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface.
- 9Install and torque sensor boltInstall the ABS sensor mounting bolt by hand, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Do not exceed the specified torque as this can damage the sensor housing or crack the mounting boss.Torque specABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 10Route sensor wiring and reconnectRoute the sensor wiring along the original path, ensuring it does not contact moving suspension components, the CV axle, brake components, or sharp edges. Secure the wiring with all original routing clips and brackets. Ensure adequate slack for full suspension travel. Reconnect the electrical connector to the vehicle harness, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the lock tab engages.
- 11Reinstall wheel and lower vehiclePosition the wheel onto the hub and install the lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel properly. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all wiring routing clips are reinstalled to prevent wire chafing
- Verify sensor connector is fully engaged with lock tab in place
- Confirm no tools or parts were left in wheel well or under vehicle
Verification
- Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light follows normal operation (illuminates briefly at startup then extinguishes)
- If a scan tool is available, check for ABS fault codes and verify the new sensor is reading wheel speed properly
- Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area and verify proper ABS operation during gentle braking
- If original fault code was present, verify it has cleared and does not return after test drive
- Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving