ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear ABS wheel speed sensor × 1 — 89542-02090 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel on the side requiring sensor replacement

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear ABS sensor
   The rear ABS sensor is mounted on the rear knuckle assembly behind the brake backing plate. Identify the sensor body and wiring harness leading from it toward the wheel well.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Follow the sensor wire harness toward the vehicle body. Locate the electrical connector, typically secured with a clip or lock tab. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. If connector is corroded or stuck, use electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate before attempting removal.
3. 3

   Release wiring harness clips
   The sensor wiring harness is secured to the vehicle body and suspension components with plastic retaining clips. Carefully release each clip along the harness routing path. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool if needed, taking care not to break the clips.
4. 4

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the ABS sensor to the rear knuckle. The bolt threads into the knuckle behind the sensor body. Keep the bolt for reinstallation if not corroded.
   ℹ️If the bolt is severely corroded, it may break during removal. Have a replacement bolt available if working on a high-mileage or rust-prone vehicle.
   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 knuckle. If the sensor is stuck due to corrosion, gently rotate while pulling. Do not pry against the sensor body as it can crack. If severely stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal again.
6. 6

   Clean the sensor mounting bore
   Use a wire brush to clean the sensor mounting bore in the knuckle, removing any rust, debris, or old sensor material. Ensure the bore is clean and smooth to allow proper seating of the new sensor. Wipe clean with a shop towel.
7. 7

   Install the new sensor
   Apply a light coat of dielectric grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the new sensor straight into the bore, ensuring it seats fully. The sensor should sit flush with the mounting surface. Align the mounting bolt hole.
   ⚠Do not use anti-seize or grease on the sensor tip as this can affect magnetic field readings and cause ABS malfunction.
8. 8

   Install and torque the sensor mounting bolt
   Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS sensor bolt to specification. Do not exceed the specified torque as overtightening can damage the sensor or crack the mounting boss.
   Torque spec

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

   Route and secure the wiring harness
   Route the sensor wiring harness along the original path, ensuring it does not contact moving suspension components or the brake rotor. Secure all retaining clips in their original positions. Verify the harness has adequate slack and is not under tension.
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Clean the mating connector with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector pins. Connect the sensor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
11. 11

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to torque specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
2. Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
3. Verify sensor wiring is properly secured and not contacting any moving parts

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during startup then turns off
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for ABS fault codes and verify the new sensor is communicating properly
• Test drive vehicle at speeds above 5 mph to allow ABS system self-check to complete
• Verify ABS warning light remains off during and after test drive
• If ABS light remains on, re-check electrical connections and scan for diagnostic trouble codes

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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