This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front ABS wheel speed sensor on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Optional but recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor
   The front ABS wheel speed sensor is mounted on the steering knuckle near the top of the brake rotor. Identify the sensor body and its electrical connector which runs up toward the wheel well liner.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Trace the sensor wire harness from the sensor up into the wheel well. Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull apart gently. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If connector is corroded, clean or apply penetrating oil before disconnecting.
3. 3

   Release wire harness clips
   Follow the sensor wire harness and locate any routing clips or brackets that secure it to the suspension or chassis. Release these clips by pressing the tabs or removing any retaining fasteners. Note the exact routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove 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, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for several minutes. The sensor is located at the rear of the knuckle facing the engine bay.
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from knuckle
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the knuckle bore. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body as this can damage it. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil around the sensor body and allow to penetrate before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting hole in the steering knuckle, removing any rust, dirt, or debris. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper sensor seating and signal accuracy.
7. 7

   Install new ABS sensor
   Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the new sensor straight into the knuckle bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should sit flush against the knuckle mounting surface.
8. 8

   Install and torque sensor mounting bolt
   Start the 10mm sensor mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this is a critical fastener that can be easily damaged.
   Torque spec

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

   Route and secure wire harness
   Route the sensor wire harness following the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact any moving parts, sharp edges, or heat sources. Secure all clips and brackets in their original positions. Verify adequate slack for suspension travel.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector and press together firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Position the wheel onto the hub and install lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wire harness clips are properly secured and the harness has adequate clearance from moving components
2. Verify the ABS sensor electrical connector is fully locked and not under tension
3. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light illuminates during bulb check and then turns off after a few seconds
• Use a scan tool to check for any ABS diagnostic trouble codes related to the replaced sensor
• Test drive the vehicle at speeds above 10 mph to allow the ABS system to self-test the new sensor
• Verify the ABS warning light remains off during and after the test drive
• If warning light remains on, re-check sensor installation, electrical connection, and scan for codes

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