ABS Tone Ring

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ABS tone ring on a 2007 Ram 3500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD, typically performed when ABS fault codes indicate a damaged or corroded tone ring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify if front or rear axle
• Hub bearing assembly (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification - one-time use
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — High temperature rated

Fluids

• 75W-90 synthetic gear oil — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Use OBD-II scanner to verify which wheel is throwing the ABS fault code and confirm tone ring replacement is needed
2. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts on affected wheel while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove wheel completely
7. Clean the wheel hub area with brake cleaner and wire brush to assess tone ring condition

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect tone ring and ABS sensor
   Visually inspect the tone ring for damage, missing teeth, corrosion, or debris buildup. Check the ABS wheel speed sensor for damage and verify the air gap between sensor and tone ring. If an adjustable sensor is present, verify the air gap against factory service specification; note that many integrated wheel speed sensors on this vehicle are non-adjustable. If only cleaning is needed and the tone ring is intact, clean thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush, then retest before proceeding with replacement.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the steering knuckle or hub assembly. If the sensor is corroded in place, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. Do not pry on the sensor body as it is fragile. Clean the sensor bore with brake cleaner.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper slide bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the caliper bracket bolts and remove the bracket. Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it loose.
4. 4

   Determine tone ring mounting type
   Inspect how the tone ring is mounted. On 2007 Ram 3500 4WD, the tone ring may be: (1) pressed onto the outer CV joint housing, (2) integrated into the hub bearing assembly, or (3) a separate ring mounted to the hub. If integrated into the hub bearing, the entire hub assembly must be replaced. If pressed onto the CV axle, proceed with axle removal. Take photos for reference during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove hub assembly (if tone ring is hub-mounted)
   If the tone ring is part of the hub bearing assembly: Remove the axle nut (verify socket size against Ram service data). Remove the three hub bearing mounting bolts from the back side of the steering knuckle. Use a slide hammer or hub puller to extract the unit hub bearing from the knuckle if it does not come out by hand. The U-joint axle shaft will remain in the axle tube. Install new hub assembly with integrated tone ring and proceed to reassembly steps.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle (if tone ring is axle-mounted)
   If the tone ring is pressed onto the axle shaft: On the AAM 9.25 solid front axle, remove the unit hub bearing and steering knuckle as needed, then slide the U-joint axle shaft out of the axle tube. Support the shaft as you withdraw it. A small amount of axle lubricant may weep from the tube; have a drain pan ready.le. Place a drain pan under the differential as gear oil will leak out.
7. 7

   Remove old tone ring from CV axle
   If the tone ring is pressed onto the axle shaft: Use a chisel or cut-off wheel to carefully split the old tone ring. Cut only through the ring, not into the axle shaft. Pry the ring off with a screwdriver once split. Clean the shaft surface thoroughly with brake cleaner and wire brush. Inspect the shaft for damage - any scoring or pitting in the tone ring mounting area will cause problems with the new ring.rea will cause problems with the new ring.
8. 8

   Install new tone ring
   Slide the new tone ring onto the CV axle shaft or outer CV joint housing, ensuring it is oriented correctly with teeth facing the sensor location. The ring should be a tight interference fit. Use a section of appropriately sized pipe or a press to drive the ring into position - tap evenly around the circumference. Never strike the ring directly with a hammer. Verify the ring is fully seated against the shoulder and perpendicular to the axle shaft.
9. 9

   Reinstall CV axle into differential
   If the axle shaft was removed: Apply a small amount of axle lubricant to the shaft splines and seal. Carefully slide the U-joint axle shaft into the axle tube, indexing the inner splines with the differential side gear, and seat it fully without damaging the tube seal. Then reinstall the unit hub bearing and steering knuckle.
10. 10

    Reinstall hub and suspension components
    Reinstall the hub bearing assembly or reconnect the steering knuckle to the ball joints, depending on which components were removed. Install new axle nut if required (these are typically one-time use). Tighten suspension components to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated and torqued.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake components
    Clean the hub surface with brake cleaner. Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub studs. Install the caliper bracket and tighten bolts. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper slide bolts. Pump the brake pedal several times to reseat the caliper piston.
12. 12

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor into the mounting bore, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the sensor mounting bolt and tighten snugly (do not overtighten as the sensor housing can crack). Reconnect the electrical connector. Verify the air gap between the sensor tip and tone ring teeth is within specification (approximately 0.020-0.040 inches).
13. 13

    Refill differential if drained
    If the CV axle was removed and differential gear oil drained: Clean the differential cover mating surface on the axle housing. Install a new differential cover gasket or apply RTV silicone gasket maker in a continuous bead. Reinstall the differential cover and tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern. Fill the front differential with approximately 1.3-1.5 quarts of 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (verify exact capacity in Ram service data) through the fill plug until it reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Install the fill plug.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and test
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification (approximately 145 lb-ft for Ram 3500, verify in owner's manual/service data) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension and brake components are torqued to specification
2. Verify the ABS wheel speed sensor connector is fully seated and locked
3. Check that the tone ring teeth are clean and undamaged
4. Confirm differential fluid level is correct if the axle was removed
5. Double-check all fasteners are installed and tightened

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds
• Use the OBD-II scanner to check for ABS fault codes - there should be no active codes
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph to allow the ABS system to verify wheel speed sensor function
• Perform several moderate brake applications to confirm normal ABS operation
• Recheck for ABS fault codes after test drive - no codes should be present
• Listen for any abnormal noises from the wheel bearing or CV joint area during the test drive
• Visually inspect for any gear oil leaks around the differential cover or axle seal

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