Where Is the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Located?

Q: Where Is the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Typically Located?

A: The wheel speed sensors are quite naturally at the wheels, with the sensor reading a tone wheel on the CV axle shaft or bearing hub. Some wheel speed sensors read an array of magnets in the bearing seal. If you’re looking for a wheel speed sensor, just follow the wires that you see leading out to the wheel hub, because they’re easy to see and they’ll lead you right to the sensor.

The wheel speed sensors are quite naturally at the wheels, with the sensor reading a tone wheel on the CV axle shaft or bearing hub.

– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) wheel speed sensors provide the ABS module with wheel speed data input for the purpose of preventing wheel lockup during panic stops. The wheel speed information is also used to detect when a wheel is spinning to enable the traction control function, which is part of the ABS system.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Usually, the speed of all four wheels is used by the module, but some rear wheel drive pickups measure front wheel speed using a sensor at each wheel but use a single rear axle rotation speed input taken from a tone wheel on the ring gear or the transmission output shaft.

Tips on How to Access the ABS Sensor

Accessing the ABS sensor usually involves lifting the vehicle with a jack. Be sure to park your vehicle on a flat, hard, even surface away from busy places like roads before your start and always use jack stands. Remember to also wear protective equipment like safety glasses or goggles.

Because the location of the ABS sensor varies from vehicle to vehicle, your best bet is to consult your owner’s manual. More often than not, the manual will have specific instructions to help you find and access the ABS sensor.

You can watch this video to get an idea how to replace your rear ABS sensor: