This procedure covers the replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including removal and installation steps to restore proper anti-lock brake system operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part number or quality aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts on affected rear wheel before raising vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the appropriate jacking point. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheel
   Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the rear wheel on the affected side. Set the wheel aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Locate the ABS sensor
   The rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted to the rear knuckle assembly, positioned near the brake backing plate. The sensor wire routes up toward the wheel well. Inspect the sensor and wiring for visible damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness up to the electrical connector located in the wheel well area. Press the tab or release mechanism and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
5. 5

   Remove wire harness clips
   Release any wire harness clips or grommets securing the sensor wire to the vehicle body and suspension components. Note the routing path for reinstallation. Gently pull the wire free from all mounting points.
6. 6

   Remove ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the rear knuckle. If the bolt is corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before attempting removal. Keep the bolt if it is in good condition for potential reuse.
7. 7

   Extract the ABS sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body as this may damage the knuckle. Clean the sensor bore with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
   ⚠Avoid using excessive force that could damage the knuckle bore or break the sensor inside the mounting hole.
8. 8

   Prepare new sensor for installation
   Inspect the new sensor to ensure the tone ring on the axle hub is clean and free of debris. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Do not apply grease to the sensor tip.
9. 9

   Install new ABS sensor
   Insert the new ABS sensor straight into the knuckle bore, ensuring proper alignment. Push the sensor fully into place until it seats completely. The sensor gap is self-adjusting and requires no special adjustment.
10. 10

    Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
    Install the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). This bolt is critical and must not be overtightened as it can damage the sensor housing or strip the threads.
    ⚠Do not exceed 10 Nm torque specification. Overtightening will damage the sensor or knuckle threads.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Route and secure sensor harness
    Route the sensor wire harness following the original path noted during removal. Secure all harness clips and grommets to prevent the wire from contacting moving parts or sharp edges. Ensure adequate clearance from the brake components and suspension.
12. 12

    Connect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the sensor harness. Ensure the connector clicks or locks securely into place. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is properly seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Position the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Using a torque wrench in a star pattern, tighten the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft). This ensures even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final torque check
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and wire routing matches the original configuration
2. Verify the sensor wire harness has adequate clearance from all moving suspension and brake components
3. Double-check that the sensor mounting bolt is torqued to specification and the sensor is fully seated

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after a few seconds of operation
• Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no ABS fault codes are present
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify the ABS system activates normally during light braking on a low-traction surface if possible
• Re-check diagnostic codes after test drive to confirm no new faults have appeared
• Visually inspect the sensor wire routing one final time to ensure no contact with moving parts

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