This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, typically required when ABS fault codes indicate tone ring damage or missing teeth.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS tone ring (reluctor ring) × 1 — Use OEM specification for front or rear application
• Brake rotor (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at appropriate lift points
4. Remove wheel completely
5. Inspect ABS sensor for damage and verify adequate clearance from tone ring (should be 0.5-1.5mm)
6. Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor connector if needed for access, noting routing for reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts or main caliper bolts using a 14mm socket. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it using a caliper hanger or sturdy wire. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless absolutely necessary.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket mounting bolts using a 17mm socket. These bolts are torqued to high specifications and may require significant force to break loose. Remove the bracket completely to access the rotor.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining screw if present (Phillips head). The rotor may be held by corrosion. Tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet to break it free. If severely stuck, use a hub puller. On rear applications, ensure parking brake is fully released.
4. 4

   Inspect tone ring location and condition
   Examine the ABS tone ring. On front wheels, it is typically pressed onto the back of the hub assembly. On rear wheels, it may be on the axle shaft or integrated into the rotor. Verify the tone ring has damaged teeth, cracks, or corrosion that requires replacement. Count visible teeth and compare to undamaged sections.
5. 5

   Remove damaged tone ring
   If the tone ring is separate from the rotor, carefully pry it off the hub using a pry bar, working around the circumference evenly to avoid bending. If integrated with the rotor, the entire rotor must be replaced. For pressed-on rings, apply penetrating oil and use a brass drift to tap evenly around the ring while supporting the hub.
   ⚠Work carefully to avoid damaging the hub bearing assembly or ABS sensor mounting surface. Excessive force can damage the wheel bearing.
6. 6

   Clean hub and mounting surface
   Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the hub surface where the tone ring mounts. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old adhesive. The surface must be clean and smooth for proper tone ring seating. Inspect the hub for damage or wear.
7. 7

   Install new tone ring
   Position the new ABS tone ring onto the hub, ensuring correct orientation (teeth facing the ABS sensor). Press the ring on evenly using hand pressure, then tap gently with a rubber mallet around the circumference until fully seated. Verify the ring sits flush against the hub shoulder with no gaps or tilting.
   ⚠Ensure tone ring is pressed on squarely. A cocked or misaligned ring will cause incorrect ABS sensor readings and repeat fault codes.
8. 8

   Verify tone ring installation
   Rotate the hub by hand and verify the tone ring does not wobble or have excessive runout. Use a feeler gauge or dial indicator if available to confirm runout is less than 0.3mm. Visually inspect all teeth for damage and ensure none are bent or broken.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake rotor
   Clean the hub face and rotor mounting surface with brake cleaner. Install the rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. If present, reinstall the rotor retaining screw finger-tight (this only holds the rotor during assembly).
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and start both mounting bolts by hand. Apply threadlocker to bolt threads as specified. Torque both bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its hanger. Clean the caliper slide pins and apply silicone brake grease as specified. Position the caliper over the brake pads and rotor. Install and torque the caliper slide pin bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify ABS sensor clearance
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector if it was disconnected. Verify the sensor tip is clean and positioned 0.5-1.5mm from the tone ring teeth. Rotate the hub by hand to ensure the sensor does not contact the tone ring at any point during rotation.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern with the vehicle weight on the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake components are properly torqued and caliper moves freely on slide pins
2. Verify brake rotor rotates without rubbing or noise
3. Confirm ABS sensor connector is fully seated and wiring is routed away from moving components
4. Pump brake pedal several times before moving vehicle to restore proper brake pad position

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the ABS warning light follows normal operation (illuminates briefly at startup, then extinguishes)
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for ABS fault codes. Previous tone ring codes should clear after test drive
• Perform a test drive at low speed (under 15 mph) in a safe area and verify ABS light does not illuminate
• Accelerate to 25-30 mph and brake gently to allow the ABS system to perform self-diagnostics on all wheel speed sensors
• Re-scan for codes after test drive. No ABS codes related to the repaired wheel should be present
• Verify ABS sensor air gap remains within specification (0.5-1.5mm) after test drive

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