brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear
for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
14
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 delivery van, including sensor removal, connector service, and system verification.
Warnings
⚠️This is a high-voltage electric vehicle. Ensure the vehicle is fully powered down and the 12V battery is disconnected before beginning work.
⚠Do not use impact tools on the sensor mounting bolt as this may damage the sensor mounting boss or hub assembly.
⚠The wheel speed sensor is a magnetic component. Keep metal debris and contaminants away from the sensor tip and tone ring.
ℹ️After sensor replacement, the ABS system must be properly initialized using Rivian diagnostic software before the vehicle is driven.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or jack standsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
10mm socketEssential
8mm socket
Trim panel removal tools
Wire brush
Dielectric grease
Multimeter
Rivian diagnostic software or compatible scan toolEssential
Penetrating lubricant
Parts
- Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
- Sensor mounting bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged
- Wiring harness clips × 1 — As needed if damaged
Preparation
- Park vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
- Power down the vehicle completely using the infotainment system power-off procedure
- Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Raise and safely support the vehicle on a lift or jack stands at the manufacturer-specified lift points
- Remove the rear wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement
- Clean the wheel hub area and sensor mounting location with a wire brush to remove brake dust and debris
Procedure
- 1Access the wheel speed sensor connectorLocate the wheel speed sensor wiring harness running from the rear hub assembly. Trace the harness forward toward the frame rail where it connects to the vehicle harness. On the EDV 500, this connector is typically located behind the rear wheelwell liner or near the rear suspension mounting area. If necessary, remove wheelwell liner clips or fasteners to access the connector.
- 2Disconnect the sensor electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the wheel speed sensor connector and carefully separate the connector halves. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion, contamination, or damage. If the connector shows signs of moisture intrusion, clean and apply dielectric grease to the terminals upon reassembly.
- 3Release wiring harness routing clipsFollow the sensor wiring harness from the connector to the sensor, releasing any plastic routing clips or retainers securing the harness to the frame, suspension components, or brake lines. Note the exact routing path for proper reinstallation. Replace any broken clips.
- 4Remove sensor mounting boltLocate the wheel speed sensor mounting bolt on the rear hub assembly or knuckle. Apply penetrating lubricant to the bolt threads and allow to soak for several minutes. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet (not an impact tool), carefully remove the sensor mounting bolt. If the bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating lubricant and allow more time before attempting removal.
- 5Extract the wheel speed sensorCarefully pull the wheel speed sensor straight out of the hub assembly bore. The sensor may be held in place by magnetic attraction or corrosion. If the sensor is difficult to remove, gently rotate it while pulling to break the seal. Do not use excessive force or pry against the sensor body as this may damage the mounting bore.
- 6Inspect the sensor bore and tone ringOnce the sensor is removed, inspect the mounting bore in the hub assembly for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the bore with a wire brush if necessary. Visually inspect the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on the axle shaft or CV joint for cracks, missing teeth, or excessive debris buildup. Clean the tone ring surface if needed. Any damage to the tone ring requires replacement of the affected component.
- 7Prepare the new sensorRemove the new wheel speed sensor from its packaging. Inspect the sensor tip for any protective caps or shipping materials and remove them. Check that the sensor O-ring or seal is properly seated in its groove. Apply a thin coat of clean brake fluid or dielectric grease to the sensor body to aid installation and future removal.
- 8Install the new wheel speed sensorCarefully insert the new sensor into the hub assembly bore, ensuring proper alignment. Push the sensor in until it is fully seated and the mounting hole aligns. Do not force the sensor or allow it to contact the tone ring. The sensor tip should sit at the proper air gap distance from the tone ring automatically when fully seated.
- 9Install and tighten the sensor mounting boltInstall the sensor mounting bolt (new or original if in good condition) and hand-tighten initially to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolt to secure the sensor. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten the bolt snugly but do not overtighten, as this may crack the sensor housing. Typical specification for similar sensors is 8-10 Nm, but follow manufacturer guidelines when available.
- 10Route and secure the sensor wiring harnessRoute the sensor wiring harness along the original path, ensuring it does not contact any moving suspension components, sharp edges, or hot surfaces. Secure the harness with all original routing clips and retainers. Verify there is adequate slack for full suspension travel and steering movement without placing tension on the sensor connection.
- 11Reconnect the electrical connectorAlign and connect the wheel speed sensor connector to the vehicle harness connector. Ensure the connector locks fully with an audible click. If dielectric grease was applied, verify the connection is still secure. Gently tug on the connection to confirm it is properly latched.
- 12Reinstall wheelwell components and wheelReinstall any wheelwell liner fasteners or trim panels that were removed for access. Install the rear wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- 13Reconnect the 12V battery and power up systemsReconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and ensure the connection is secure. Power on the vehicle systems and verify that the infotainment display boots normally. Check the instrument cluster for any ABS warning lights.
- 14Perform ABS system initializationConnect the Rivian diagnostic software or compatible scan tool to the vehicle's OBD-II port. Navigate to the ABS system module and perform a wheel speed sensor initialization or relearn procedure. This ensures the ABS control module recognizes the new sensor and calibrates the baseline signal. Clear any stored fault codes related to the wheel speed sensor that was replaced.
Reassembly
- Ensure all wiring harness routing clips are properly secured and the harness follows the original path without interference
- Verify the sensor mounting bolt is secure and the sensor is fully seated in the hub bore
- Confirm all wheelwell liner fasteners and trim panels are reinstalled properly
- Double-check wheel lug nut torque after lowering the vehicle
Verification
- With the vehicle powered on, verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during startup and then extinguishes, indicating normal system operation
- Using diagnostic software, monitor live wheel speed sensor data from all four wheels to confirm the replaced sensor is providing a signal
- Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area and verify the wheel speed sensor signal is consistent and the ABS warning light does not illuminate
- Accelerate to approximately 15-20 mph and apply moderate braking to verify ABS functionality without warning lights
- Return to the shop and perform a final diagnostic scan to confirm no ABS-related fault codes are present