This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely with jack stands
4. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
5. Turn steering wheel to provide better access to sensor area if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The front ABS sensor is mounted on the back side of the steering knuckle, near the top of the wheel bearing hub. The sensor wire routes up toward the strut assembly with a mounting clip. Inspect the sensor location and wire routing before removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness upward from the sensor to locate the electrical connector. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If connector is difficult to separate, use a small flat-head screwdriver to assist with releasing the lock tab.
3. 3

   Remove wire harness clips
   Release any wire harness retaining clips along the strut or knuckle that secure the sensor wire. There is typically one clip on the strut tower area. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the clip retainer if necessary. Note the routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the steering knuckle. If the bolt is corroded or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and wait several minutes before attempting removal. Keep the bolt if it is in good condition and not stripped.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out of its bore in the steering knuckle. The sensor may be stuck due to corrosion or debris. If stuck, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor tip as this can damage the sensor. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and wait before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush or clean shop towel to remove any dirt, rust, or debris from the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle. Ensure the bore is clean and free of obstructions. A clean mounting surface ensures proper sensor-to-reluctor ring gap and accurate readings.
7. 7

   Prepare and install the new sensor
   Inspect the new sensor O-ring for damage. Apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring and tip to aid installation and future removal. Insert the sensor straight into the bore until it seats fully against the knuckle. Ensure the sensor is not cross-threaded or binding.
8. 8

   Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt
   Install the sensor mounting bolt and hand-tighten first to ensure proper threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to exactly 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Do not exceed this specification as overtightening can crack the sensor housing or damage the aluminum knuckle threads.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Route and secure the sensor harness
   Route the sensor wire harness following the original path noted during removal. Ensure the wire is not twisted, kinked, or in contact with any moving parts or hot surfaces. Reinstall all wire harness retaining clips to secure the wire properly.
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Align and connect the sensor electrical connector until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no dirt or moisture is present in the connector before mating.
11. 11

    Reinstall the wheel
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Install lug nuts hand-tight in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well area
3. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during self-test, then turns off
• If ABS light remains on, use an OBD-II scanner to check for stored ABS codes
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed (5-10 mph) to allow the ABS system to detect the new sensor signal
• Verify ABS light remains off after test drive and sensor is properly recognized by the system
• If available, use a scan tool to monitor live wheel speed sensor data and verify all four sensors are reading properly

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