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2021 TOYOTA CAMRY

2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs425Labor564Torque4648Fluid6DTC940Battery1Maintenance0Recalls1
brakes

ABS Tone Ring

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
14
Steps
15

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, which requires removing the wheel hub assembly to access the tone ring.

Warnings

ABS tone rings are pressed onto the hub assembly and require a hydraulic press for proper installation. Improper installation will cause ABS faults.
Axle nuts are single-use and must be replaced. Do not reuse the old axle nut.
Never let brake calipers hang by the brake hose. Always support with a hanger or wire.
ℹ️This procedure covers front hub access. Rear tone ring access is similar but does not require steering knuckle separation.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Breaker barEssential
Socket set (17mm, 19mm, 21mm)Essential
Axle nut socket (30mm or 32mm)Essential
Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential
Hub puller or slide hammerEssential
Brake caliper hanger or wireEssential
Press or hydraulic press (for tone ring installation)Essential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Thread locker (medium strength)Essential
Silicone brake greaseEssential

Parts

  • ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification for front or rear as needed
  • Axle nut × 1 — Single-use item, must be replaced
  • Cotter pin (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
  4. Loosen axle nut while vehicle is on ground (requires significant force)
  5. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at proper lift points
  6. Remove wheel completely

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove brake caliper assembly
    Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts from the rear of the caliper. Slide the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the strut spring or chassis using a caliper hanger or heavy wire. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.
    Torque spec
    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove brake rotor
    Remove the caliper bracket by removing the two caliper bracket bolts. Once removed, slide the brake rotor off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and tap with a rubber mallet from behind. Some rotors have threaded holes for removal bolts.
    Torque spec
    Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove axle nut
    Completely remove the axle nut that was previously loosened. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove it first. The axle nut is single-use and must be replaced during reassembly. Set aside for disposal.
    Do not reuse the axle nut. It is a torque-to-yield fastener.
  4. 4
    Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
    Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the strut tower or frame rail. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove any mounting bolts securing the sensor wire bracket to prevent damage during hub removal.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
    Remove the ball joint nut from the lower control arm. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if necessary. Take care not to damage the ball joint boot if reusing components.
    Ball joint separators can damage boots. Use care if components are being reused.
  6. 6
    Remove hub mounting bolts
    From behind the steering knuckle, locate and remove the three or four hub assembly mounting bolts. These are typically accessed from the backside of the knuckle. Keep track of bolt locations as they may be different lengths.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Extract hub assembly from knuckle
    The hub assembly may be press-fit or stuck in the steering knuckle. Use a hub puller or slide hammer attached to the wheel studs to extract the hub. If the axle shaft is stuck in the hub bearing, tap it gently from behind while pulling the hub forward. Protect axle threads with a nut.
    Do not strike the axle threads directly. Use a sacrificial nut or thread protector.
  8. 8
    Remove old ABS tone ring
    Inspect the tone ring location on the hub assembly. The tone ring is pressed onto the hub and must be removed using a press or careful prying. Support the hub properly in a press and push the tone ring off. Clean the hub surface thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all rust and debris where the new ring will seat.
    Do not damage the hub surface or bearing during tone ring removal. The seating surface must be clean and smooth.
  9. 9
    Install new ABS tone ring
    Position the new tone ring on the hub in the correct orientation (teeth facing outward toward the sensor). Using a hydraulic press, carefully press the tone ring onto the hub until it is fully seated against the shoulder. Apply even pressure and ensure the ring is square to the hub during installation. Verify the ring is fully seated and does not wobble.
    ⚠️Tone ring must be pressed on squarely and fully seated. Improper installation will cause ABS malfunction and potential safety issues.
  10. 10
    Reinstall hub assembly into knuckle
    Clean the knuckle bore and apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the hub outer diameter (avoid getting on tone ring). Insert the hub into the knuckle, ensuring the axle shaft passes through the hub bearing. Install the hub mounting bolts from the rear and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect steering and suspension components
    Reconnect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install a new ball joint nut if required and torque to specification per service manual (not provided in torque list). Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and secure any wire brackets.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Install new axle nut
    Thread the new axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand. Do not fully torque at this time - it will be torqued to final specification after the vehicle is lowered with weight on the wheels. Hand tighten only at this stage.
    ℹ️Axle nut final torque must be performed with vehicle on ground per manufacturer specification (typically 217 Nm / 160 lb-ft, but verify in service manual).
  13. 13
    Reinstall brake components
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Apply thread locker to the caliper bracket bolts and install the caliper bracket, torquing to specification. Apply silicone brake grease to caliper slide pins and install the caliper, torquing slide pin bolts to specification.
    Torque spec
    Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec
    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Final torque axle nut
    With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied, torque the axle nut to final specification per the service manual (typically 217 Nm / 160 lb-ft for this vehicle - verify before proceeding). Install a new cotter pin if equipped, or stake the nut if required by design.
    Verify exact axle nut torque specification in factory service manual before final torquing. Improper torque can cause bearing failure.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
  2. Verify brake caliper slide pins move freely and are properly greased
  3. Double-check that all suspension and steering fasteners are torqued to specification
  4. Confirm the axle nut is properly torqued with vehicle weight on wheels

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light turns off after a few seconds (system self-test)
  • Test drive the vehicle at low speed (15-20 mph) to allow the ABS system to recognize the new tone ring
  • Verify no ABS fault codes are present using an OBD-II scanner
  • Check that the wheel speed sensor is reading properly (all four wheels should show similar speeds when driving straight)
  • Listen for any abnormal noises from the wheel bearing area during test drive
  • Verify brakes function normally without pulsation or noise

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