brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear
for 2025 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle operates at voltages up to 800V DC. Do not attempt to service high voltage components. Ensure vehicle is fully powered down before beginning work.
⚠The ABS system requires proper diagnostic clearing and testing after sensor replacement. Failure to properly verify system operation creates a serious safety hazard.
⚠Rear differential contains 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil under pressure. Avoid damaging differential seals or tone ring during sensor removal.
ℹ️Sensor polarity and air gap are critical for proper operation. Do not force sensor into mounting bore.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or jack stands (rated for 7000+ lbs)Essential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Socket set (10mm-21mm)Essential
Trim panel removal tools
Wire brush
Electrical contact cleaner
Dielectric grease
Digital multimeter
Scan tool compatible with Rivian diagnosticsEssential
Parts
- Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
- Sensor mounting bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged
- Wiring harness retaining clips × 2 — Use OEM specification if damaged
Preparation
- Connect scan tool and document any existing ABS fault codes
- Place vehicle in Transport Mode per Rivian service procedures to disable propulsion system
- Ensure parking brake is released
- Raise and support vehicle on lift or jack stands at proper lift points
- Place wheel chocks at opposite end of vehicle
- Remove appropriate rear wheel (driver or passenger side as needed)
- Clean wheel hub area and sensor mounting location with wire brush to remove road debris
Procedure
- 1Access sensor wiring harnessLocate the wheel speed sensor wiring harness routing from the rear suspension area. The harness typically runs along the lower control arm or suspension trailing arm. Remove any protective clips or routing brackets securing the harness to the suspension or frame. On the EDV 500, the harness connector is located near the rear differential housing or inner fender well area.
- 2Disconnect sensor electrical connectorLocate the wheel speed sensor connector approximately 12-18 inches from the sensor mounting point. Press the connector locking tab and carefully pull the connector halves apart. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion, damage, or moisture intrusion. If connector shows signs of corrosion, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry completely.
- 3Remove wiring harness routing clipsFollow the sensor wiring from the connector to the sensor, removing all routing clips and brackets that secure the harness. Note the exact routing path and clip locations for reinstallation. The EDV 500 typically uses push-pin style retaining clips along the suspension components. Inspect clips for damage and replace if broken.
- 4Remove sensor mounting boltLocate the wheel speed sensor mounting bolt on the rear knuckle or bearing housing. The sensor is typically mounted vertically into a bore near the hub assembly. Remove the mounting bolt completely. Note: If bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. Do not use excessive force that could damage threads in aluminum knuckle.
- 5Extract wheel speed sensorCarefully pull the sensor straight out from its mounting bore. The sensor may be tight due to corrosion or debris buildup. If sensor is stuck, gently rotate while pulling to break corrosion seal. Do not pry against the sensor body or use excessive force, as the tone ring on the hub assembly or CV joint is easily damaged. If sensor remains stuck, apply penetrating oil around sensor body and wait before attempting removal again.
- 6Inspect sensor mounting bore and tone ringOnce sensor is removed, inspect the mounting bore in the knuckle for damage, debris, or corrosion. Clean bore thoroughly with wire brush if needed. Inspect the tone ring (reluctor ring) on the hub assembly or CV axle for damage, missing teeth, debris buildup, or excessive runout. Any damage to the tone ring requires hub or axle replacement. The tone ring should be clean and have uniform tooth spacing. Clean tone ring with brake cleaner if contaminated with grease or debris.
- 7Test old sensor (optional diagnostic step)If diagnosing an intermittent fault, use a digital multimeter to test the removed sensor. Measure resistance between sensor terminals; typical values range from 800-2000 ohms for most passive sensors. Consult Rivian service information for exact specifications. Check for shorts to ground by measuring resistance from each terminal to sensor body (should be infinite resistance/open circuit).
- 8Prepare new sensor for installationRemove new sensor from packaging and inspect for damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring or sealing surface to aid installation and prevent corrosion. Do not apply grease to the sensor tip itself, as this could interfere with the magnetic field. Verify the new sensor matches the original in length, connector type, and mounting configuration.
- 9Install new wheel speed sensorCarefully insert the new sensor straight into the mounting bore, ensuring proper alignment. The sensor should slide in smoothly without force. If resistance is felt, remove sensor and check for obstructions or misalignment. Push sensor fully into bore until it seats against the mounting surface. The air gap between sensor tip and tone ring is preset by sensor design and mounting depth; do not attempt to adjust.
- 10Install and torque sensor mounting boltInstall the sensor mounting bolt and thread by hand until finger-tight to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque mounting bolt to manufacturer specification. Note: Since no torque specification is provided in database, hand-tighten bolt firmly and then add approximately 1/4 turn. Typical specification for this application is 60-90 in-lbs (5-7.5 ft-lbs). Verify sensor does not rotate in bore after tightening.
- 11Route and secure sensor wiring harnessRoute the sensor wiring harness along the original path, ensuring adequate clearance from suspension components, CV axle, brake components, and steering linkage. The harness must not contact rotating components or be stretched tight during full suspension travel. Install all routing clips and brackets in their original locations. Verify harness has proper service loop and will not be pinched during suspension movement.
- 12Connect sensor electrical connectorClean both halves of the electrical connector with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to connector terminals to prevent corrosion. Align connector halves and push together until locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
- 13Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleReinstall the rear wheel, hand-tightening lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheel. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 130-150 ft-lbs for Rivian EDV) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands or lift.
- 14Clear fault codes and perform system testConnect scan tool and clear all ABS/ESC fault codes from vehicle memory. Exit Transport Mode and power up vehicle to RUN position (do not drive yet). Observe ABS warning light on instrument cluster; it should illuminate briefly during self-test and then extinguish. If light remains illuminated, retrieve fault codes and diagnose further. Use scan tool to view live wheel speed sensor data and verify the repaired sensor is providing signal.
- 15Perform road test verificationDrive vehicle at speeds above 10 mph to allow ABS system to complete self-diagnostics and verify all wheel speed sensors are reading correctly. The scan tool can be used to monitor all four wheel speed sensors simultaneously during test drive. All sensors should show similar speeds during straight-line driving. Perform several moderate brake applications from 30-40 mph to verify ABS system operates normally. Retrieve any new fault codes after road test.
Reassembly
- Ensure sensor wiring harness is properly routed with adequate clearance from all moving components and heat sources
- Verify all wiring harness clips and brackets are reinstalled to prevent harness damage
- Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in proper star pattern
- Double-check that electrical connector is fully seated and locked
Verification
- ABS warning light should be off with ignition in RUN position after clearing codes
- Scan tool should show valid speed signal from replaced sensor at all vehicle speeds above 5-10 mph
- All four wheel speed sensors should read within 2-3 mph of each other during straight-line driving
- No ABS fault codes should be present after road test
- ABS system should function normally during moderate brake application at 30+ mph (may be difficult to verify on dry pavement without triggering ABS)
- Sensor wiring harness should have no visible contact with suspension, steering, or drivetrain components through full suspension travel