The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. It prevents your wheels from locking up and stops your car from skidding when you suddenly hit the brakes.
If any of its components break down, especially the tone ring, the entire ABS will likely malfunction, putting you and your passengers in danger of crashing.
What Is a Tone Ring?
Also known as the reluctor ring, the tone ring is an integral part of your vehicle’s ABS. The ABS wheel speed sensor tells the control unit how fast each wheel is turning, allowing the system to determine if any wheels are locked up or moving too slowly. The tone ring is what sends this signal to the ABS control module.
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Pro Tip: Sometimes the tone ring is built into the brake rotor, other times it’s part of the CV axle, and some bearings will have an invisible magnetic tone wheel built into the bearing seal.
Can You Fix a Tone Ring?
It might be tempting to just glue a cracked tone ring while it’s still in the assembly, but we don’t recommend it. Furthermore, if the tone ring happens to stop while the vehicle is still moving and the wheels are still turning, the ABS can interfere with normal braking because it thinks a wheel is sliding.
If your tone ring is cracked or corroded, it’s best to simply replace it with a new one. You can replace it on its own or replace the entire axle instead.
How To Replace Your ABS Tone Ring
Replacing a faulty tone ring usually requires replacing the rotor, CV axle, or hub bearing, but it’s not an issue you can just ignore. Here are tips on how to replace your ABS tone ring if it’s replaceable separately (keep in mind that this is almost never the case):
Prepare the Necessary Tools
To replace your tone ring, you’ll likely need a flat-blade screwdriver, a pry bar, and a torque wrench. Prepare a wire brush, sandpaper, hammer, and pick as well.
Remove the Wheel and Other Parts
In most cases, you’ll need to remove the wheel, brake caliper, rotor, and hub before you can get to the tone ring. It can be a long process, but you won’t be able to access the tone ring until you detach these parts first.
Keep in mind that the tone ring’s exact location can vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Some tone rings will require you to remove the axle and the ABS sensor as well. If you aren’t 100% sure how to access the tone ring, don’t hesitate to ask a mechanic for help.
Remove the Faulty Tone Ring
With the hub out of the way, you should have better access to your tone ring. You can use a small pick to grab the ring and remove it from the assembly.
Clean Around the Axle
Before you can install the new tone ring, you’ll have to clean around the axle first. You can use a stiff wire brush to dust off any initial dirt. Gently scrape any rust buildup off with sandpaper.
Install the New Ring
When installing the new tone ring, don’t forget to make sure it’s properly mounted around the axle. You can gently tap the ring with a hammer until it’s fully seated in the slot.
Reinstall the Hub and Wheel
Before you can go for a test drive, you’ll have to reinstall the hub, caliper, rotor, and wheel. Secure each part by tightening their bolts properly.
If any of the parts are corroded, you can use a wire brush or sandpaper to gently rub some of the rust off before reinstalling it.
What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty ABS Ring?
Before you can replace your tone ring, you have to make sure it’s actually broken. Be on the lookout for these common symptoms of a damaged tone ring:
Illuminated ABS Light
One of the most obvious signs that your tone ring is faulty is an illuminated ABS light. Any time the ABS detects an issue with the system, it’ll trigger the ABS light on your dashboard. In some vehicles, this can also trigger the check engine light. Either way, it’s best to avoid driving until you properly diagnose the problem.
Vibrating Brake Pedal
Is your brake pedal vibrating at low speeds? If the answer’s yes, then you’re most likely dealing with a broken tone ring. A faulty ABS ring will send a misleading signal to your car’s powertrain control module (PCM), causing it to turn on the ABS. This can happen even when you’re driving at low speeds, which can cause the brake pedal to pulsate or create a popping sound.
No ABS Function
A corroded ABS ring can send incorrect pulses to the ABS control unit, causing it to stop working. This can lead to a longer braking distance and loss of traction, both of which can put you in very dangerous situations.
Sudden Braking
Some vehicles have a braking feature built into the ABS control unit, which can activate when the tone ring fails. This can cause sudden braking, which can be dangerous when you’re driving in heavy traffic.
Can You Drive With a Damaged Tone Ring?
While you can technically still drive with a damaged tone ring, it isn’t a good idea to do so. A faulty tone ring can make your brakes unpredictable, putting you at greater risk of getting into an accident. If your ABS light is on, you might be dealing with other braking system issues as well. For your own safety, avoid driving until you can get your tone ring fixed.
How Much Does a Tone Ring Replacement Cost?
The final price will depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, but in general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $300 for a new tone ring.
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