Replace the ABS tone ring on a 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins 4WD, which involves removing the wheel hub assembly to access and replace the magnetic encoder ring that provides wheel speed data to the ABS system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS Tone Ring (Magnetic Encoder) × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper bracket bolts (if threadlocker bond breaks) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Silicone brake grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the rear wheels securely if working on front, or front wheels if working on rear
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for minimum 3-ton capacity per stand
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the brake caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Suspend the caliper from the frame or suspension using a caliper hanger or heavy wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. Note that these bolts may have threadlocker applied and will require significant force. Keep the bracket hardware together for reinstallation.
   ⚠These bolts are torqued to over 100 lb-ft and may require a breaker bar for removal. Ensure socket is fully seated to avoid rounding bolt heads.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub. If the rotor is seized to the hub due to corrosion, tap the rotor from behind with a soft-face hammer or use penetrating oil and allow time to soak. On some rotors, there may be threaded holes for jacking screws to push the rotor off the hub.
4. 4

   Inspect ABS tone ring location
   Examine the wheel hub assembly to determine if the tone ring is a separate component or integral to the hub bearing. On front hubs, the tone ring is typically pressed onto the outboard side of the hub. On rear axles, it may be pressed onto the axle shaft or hub assembly. Clean the area around the tone ring with a wire brush to remove debris.
5. 5

   Remove wheel hub assembly (if necessary)
   If the tone ring is integral to or inaccessible without hub removal, remove the hub mounting bolts from the steering knuckle or axle flange. The hub assembly may require a hub puller or slide hammer to separate from the knuckle or axle shaft due to press-fit or corrosion. Work carefully to avoid damaging the bearing surfaces.
   ⚠If excessive force is required, the hub bearing may be seized. Heat or penetrating oil may be necessary, but avoid overheating which can damage the bearing seals and grease.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove damaged tone ring
   With the hub assembly accessible or removed, use a shop press or bearing separator to remove the damaged tone ring from the hub. The tone ring is typically a press-fit component. Position the hub in the press with support under the hub body, not the bearing races. Press the tone ring off slowly and evenly. If the tone ring is corroded or damaged, it may need to be cut off carefully with a grinder or chisel without damaging the hub surface.
   ⚠️Use proper press tooling to support the hub assembly. Pressing against bearing components will destroy the bearing, requiring complete hub replacement.
   ⚠The tone ring seating surface on the hub must remain smooth and undamaged. Burrs or damage will prevent proper tone ring seating.
7. 7

   Prepare hub surface for new tone ring
   Clean the tone ring mounting surface on the hub thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old adhesive. Inspect the surface for damage, scoring, or wear. The surface must be smooth for the new tone ring to seat properly. Use fine emery cloth to smooth any minor imperfections, but deep gouges may require hub replacement.
8. 8

   Install new ABS tone ring
   Position the new tone ring onto the hub in the correct orientation. The magnetic encoded side typically faces outward toward the ABS sensor. Using a shop press and proper bearing race driver or flat plate, press the tone ring onto the hub evenly. Apply steady pressure and ensure the ring seats completely against the hub shoulder. Measure the installed position with a caliper or verify against the old tone ring measurements if available.
   ⚠The tone ring must be pressed on squarely. Cocking or uneven pressure will damage the ring and cause ABS malfunction.
   ℹ️Some replacement tone rings may require adhesive or threadlocker per manufacturer instructions. Follow the specific installation instructions provided with the replacement part.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel hub assembly
   If the hub was removed, clean the mounting surfaces on the steering knuckle or axle flange. Position the hub assembly with the new tone ring installed onto the mounting surface. Install the hub mounting bolts and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify ABS sensor clearance
    Check the clearance between the ABS wheel speed sensor and the new tone ring. The sensor should have proper air gap (typically 0.5-1.5mm, but no physical contact). If a dial indicator is available, check hub endplay and runout to ensure proper bearing function. Rotate the hub by hand to verify smooth rotation and no interference with the tone ring.
    ⚠Insufficient clearance or contact between sensor and tone ring will cause sensor damage and ABS failure. Excessive clearance will cause intermittent ABS codes.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the hub mounting surface and rotor mating surface with brake cleaner. Slide the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. On some applications, use a wheel lug nut to temporarily secure the rotor during caliper installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle or axle housing. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads as recommended. Install the bolts and torque to specification in an even, alternating pattern.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its suspended position. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolts as specified. Position the caliper over the brake rotor and bracket. Install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly on all studs. Install the lug nuts by hand, threading each nut several turns before tightening. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the vehicle weight is still on the jack stands. 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

1. After final wheel installation and torquing, pump the brake pedal several times to verify proper brake caliper piston positioning
2. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off if necessary with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid
3. If multiple wheels were serviced, repeat the verification process for each wheel position

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates during bulb check and then extinguishes after a few seconds
• Perform a low-speed test drive (under 15 mph in a safe area) to verify the ABS system recognizes wheel speed from the repaired wheel
• Using a diagnostic scanner, check for ABS trouble codes related to wheel speed sensors. No codes should be present for the repaired wheel
• Perform a controlled ABS activation test in a safe area to verify proper system function if no codes are present
• Verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or pulling during normal braking operation
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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