brakes
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear
for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
9
Steps
11
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a rear ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.
Warnings
⚠Do not overtighten the ABS sensor bolt as this can damage the sensor housing or mounting boss
⚠The sensor tip is magnetic and will attract metal debris. Clean the sensor bore thoroughly before installation
ℹ️ABS sensor failures are often caused by damaged wiring rather than the sensor itself. Inspect the entire harness before replacement
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
21mm socket or lug wrenchEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Flathead screwdriver or trim tool
Wire brush
Dielectric grease
OBD-II scan tool
Parts
- Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — 89542-06060 or 89542-06070 (left/right specific)
- Wiring harness retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
- Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points
- Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
- Remove rear wheel completely
Procedure
- 1Locate the rear ABS sensorThe rear ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear knuckle assembly behind the brake rotor. Identify the sensor body and trace the wiring harness back toward the body to locate all retaining clips and the electrical connector.
- 2Disconnect the electrical connectorFollow the sensor wiring harness to the electrical connector, typically located near the strut tower in the wheel well. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the harness for reinstallation.
- 3Release wiring harness clipsCarefully release all wiring harness retaining clips along the routing path from the connector to the sensor. There are typically 2-3 clips securing the harness to the suspension components and body. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool if needed to avoid breaking the clips.
- 4Remove the sensor mounting boltUsing a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the rear knuckle. The bolt may be tight due to corrosion. If the bolt is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before removal. Do not use excessive force that could damage the knuckle threads.
- 5Extract the sensor from the knuckleGently pull the sensor straight out of the knuckle bore. The sensor may be stuck due to corrosion or debris buildup. If stuck, carefully twist while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body or use excessive force. If severely corroded, apply penetrating oil around the sensor base and allow to soak.
- 6Clean the sensor mounting boreUse a wire brush to thoroughly clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle, removing all rust, debris, and metal shavings. The bore must be completely clean to ensure proper sensor positioning and prevent future corrosion. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
- 7Inspect the tone ringWith the sensor removed, inspect the ABS tone ring on the axle hub for damage, missing teeth, or excessive rust buildup. Clean the tone ring surface with a wire brush if needed. A damaged tone ring will cause continued ABS faults even with a new sensor.
- 8Install the new sensorApply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the new sensor straight into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should slide in smoothly without excessive force. Hand-thread the mounting bolt to avoid cross-threading.⚠Ensure the sensor is fully seated before tightening the bolt. An improperly seated sensor will read incorrect wheel speed dataTorque specABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Route and secure the wiring harnessRoute the sensor wiring harness along the original path, ensuring it does not contact the tire, suspension components, or brake components during wheel travel. Secure all retaining clips in their original positions. The harness must have adequate slack and no sharp bends.
- 10Connect the electrical connectorConnect the sensor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it is locked.
- 11Reinstall the wheelReinstall the rear wheel onto the hub, hand-threading all lug nuts to ensure proper seating. 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 specWheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- After torquing lug nuts, fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands
- Double-check that all wiring harness clips are secured and harness has proper clearance
- Verify ABS sensor connector is fully locked and weather seal is intact
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light extinguishes after approximately 3-5 seconds
- Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 15 mph to allow the ABS system to initialize
- Use an OBD-II scan tool to verify no ABS fault codes are present and the rear wheel speed sensor is reading properly
- Perform a test stop from moderate speed to confirm ABS operation if conditions safely permit
- Verify the sensor wiring harness has adequate clearance during full suspension compression and rebound