brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.3 h
Tools
8
Steps
11
Replace the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine to restore proper anti-lock brake system operation.
Warnings
⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath
ℹ️The ABS sensor bolt is very low torque (7 lb-ft) and can be easily overtightened, damaging the sensor mounting boss
ℹ️Keep sensor and tone ring clean from debris, dirt, and metal shavings to prevent false ABS activation
Tools required
Jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Wire brush
Electrical contact cleaner
Pick tool or small flat blade screwdriver
Anti-seize compound
Dielectric greaseEssential
Parts
- Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM Mopar sensor for proper fitment
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Chock the front wheels to prevent rolling
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove rear wheel on affected side
Procedure
- 1Locate the rear ABS sensorIdentify the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted on the rear axle differential housing near the brake assembly. The sensor is positioned close to the tone ring on the axle shaft. Trace the wiring harness from the sensor up along the frame rail.
- 2Disconnect sensor electrical connectorFollow the sensor wire harness up to the electrical connector, typically located along the frame rail or near the rear axle. Depress the connector locking tab and carefully separate the connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 3Release wiring harness clipsTrace the sensor harness and release any retaining clips or routing brackets securing the wire to the axle housing or frame. Use a pick tool or small screwdriver to carefully pry the clips if necessary. Note the routing path for reinstallation.
- 4Remove ABS sensor mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket, carefully remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the differential housing. The bolt may be corroded; apply penetrating oil if necessary and allow time to soak. Keep the bolt for comparison with replacement hardware.
- 5Extract the ABS sensorCarefully pull the sensor straight out from the mounting bore in the differential housing. If stuck due to corrosion, gently rock the sensor side-to-side while pulling outward. Avoid using excessive force or prying that could damage the mounting bore or tone ring.⚠Do not allow the sensor tip to strike the tone ring during removal as this can damage either component
- 6Clean sensor mounting bore and tone ringUse a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the differential housing, removing any rust, debris, or old sealant. Inspect the tone ring (toothed reluctor ring) on the axle shaft for damage, cracks, or missing teeth. Clean the tone ring surface with a clean cloth. Ensure no metal shavings or debris remain in the area.
- 7Prepare new ABS sensorRemove the new sensor from packaging and inspect it for damage. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the sensor body (not the sensing tip). Apply dielectric grease to the electrical connector terminals to protect against moisture intrusion.
- 8Install new ABS sensorCarefully insert the new sensor into the mounting bore, ensuring it seats fully against the housing. Align the mounting hole and start the bolt by hand. Ensure the sensor is properly positioned with correct air gap to the tone ring (sensor should be fully seated against housing stop).⚠Do not overtighten the sensor mounting bolt - torque to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) to prevent damageTorque specABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Route and secure wiring harnessRoute the sensor harness following the original path noted during removal. Ensure the wire is not stretched, kinked, or positioned where it can contact moving parts or hot exhaust components. Secure all retaining clips and brackets to prevent chafing.
- 10Connect electrical connectorPlug the sensor electrical connector back together until it clicks and locks firmly. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is secure. Ensure the connector lock tab is fully engaged.
- 11Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleReinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and perform final lug nut torque with vehicle weight on the ground.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all wiring harness clips are fully secured and sensor wire is protected from damage
- Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to 183 Nm (135 lb-ft) in proper star pattern
- Double-check that the sensor electrical connector is fully locked and seated
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light on the dash illuminates briefly during bulb check, then extinguishes within a few seconds
- Use a scan tool to verify no ABS fault codes are present and the new sensor is reading properly
- Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to ensure the ABS system initializes and the warning light remains off
- Perform a controlled light brake application on a safe surface to verify ABS functionality if desired