brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear
for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle uses high-voltage electric propulsion systems. Do not access orange high-voltage cables or components. Rear wheel speed sensors are isolated from high-voltage systems but exercise caution.
⚠Ensure vehicle is in Park mode and 12V battery is disconnected before beginning work to prevent unexpected motor engagement.
⚠ABS sensor wiring is fragile. Do not pull on wires; always disconnect at connector points.
ℹ️Rivian EDV 500 requires clearing fault codes and performing ABS system verification after sensor replacement using factory scan tool or equivalent.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or jack standsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
10mm socketEssential
13mm socketEssential
Ratchet and extension setEssential
Plastic trim removal tools
Wire brush
Electrical contact cleaner
Dielectric grease
Digital multimeter
OBD-II scan tool with Rivian capabilityEssential
Parts
- Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Sensor mounting bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded
- Wiring harness clips × 2 — As needed if damaged
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 7,000 lbs)
- Remove rear wheel on affected side
- Connect OBD-II scan tool and document existing fault codes
- Take photos of sensor wire routing for reinstallation reference
Procedure
- 1Access sensor connectorLocate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector inside the rear wheel well. It is typically secured to a bracket on the suspension control arm or frame rail. Carefully release any wire loom clips securing the harness along its routing path from the sensor to the connector.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the sensor connector and carefully pull apart the male and female connector halves. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect connector pins for corrosion, damage, or moisture. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
- 3Release wiring harness clipsFollow the sensor wire from the connector to the sensor mounting location on the rear knuckle or hub assembly. Release all plastic clips and retainers securing the wire harness. Note the exact routing path, as improper routing can cause wire damage from contact with suspension components or the tire.
- 4Remove sensor mounting boltLocate the sensor mounting bolt on the rear knuckle or backing plate. The sensor is typically secured with a single 10mm bolt. Apply penetrating oil if the bolt shows corrosion. Remove the mounting bolt completely using a 10mm socket and ratchet. Keep the bolt if in good condition for reinstallation.
- 5Extract sensor from mounting boreCarefully pull the sensor straight out of its mounting bore in the knuckle or hub assembly. The sensor may be tight due to corrosion or debris buildup. If stuck, gently rotate while pulling. Do not use excessive force or pry tools that could damage the bore or tone ring.
- 6Inspect tone ring and mounting boreWith the sensor removed, visually inspect the ABS tone ring on the axle shaft or hub for damage, missing teeth, or debris buildup. Clean the sensor mounting bore with a wire brush to remove corrosion and debris. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth for proper sensor seating.
- 7Prepare new sensorRemove the new sensor from packaging and verify it matches the original sensor design and connector type. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring or sealing surface if equipped. Do not apply grease to the sensor tip or tone ring surface.
- 8Install new sensorInsert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. The sensor tip should be positioned at the correct air gap from the tone ring (typically 0.5-1.5mm, which is set by proper seating). Align the mounting hole.
- 9Install and secure mounting boltThread the mounting bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten the sensor mounting bolt to manufacturer specification. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten to snug specification (approximately 8-10 ft-lbs) using careful judgment to avoid damaging the sensor or threads.
- 10Route and secure wiring harnessRoute the sensor wiring harness following the exact path documented in preparation photos. Ensure the wire does not contact any moving suspension components, sharp edges, or the tire at full steering lock and suspension travel. Secure all wire loom clips and retainers.
- 11Connect electrical connectorAlign and connect the sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and the locking tab engages fully. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure. Ensure no moisture or debris is present in the connector.
- 12Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleReinstall the rear wheel, tightening lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specification. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and perform final lug nut torque to specification with vehicle weight on the ground. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal.
Reassembly
- Ensure all wire harness clips are properly secured and wire routing prevents contact with moving components
- Verify sensor mounting bolt is properly tightened and sensor is fully seated in bore
- Confirm electrical connector is fully engaged with locking tab secured
- Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern
Verification
- Connect scan tool and clear all ABS-related fault codes from the system
- Perform a test drive at speeds above 15 mph to allow the ABS system to recognize the new sensor and establish communication
- Re-scan for fault codes after test drive to confirm no new ABS codes are present
- Verify the ABS warning light remains off on the instrument cluster
- If equipped with Rivian diagnostic software, perform wheel speed sensor output test to confirm all four sensors are reporting properly and readings are consistent during vehicle movement
- Test ABS function in a safe, controlled environment if possible to confirm proper system operation