How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in Chevrolet Cars

The Chevrolet car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with sensors on each wheel that continuously monitor that wheel's speed. The ABS wheel sensor transmits this information to the ABS controller, which determines the amount of braking force to apply to that wheel during an emergency stop. The most common reason for replacing the ABS wheel sensor is metallic debris such as brake dust clogging the sensor.

Under The Hood:

• How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Cobalt
• How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Impala
• How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Camaro
• How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Silverado

 How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Cobalt

Determine which ABS wheel sensor your Chevy Cobalt will need. You'll want to be sure the new wheel sensor is compatible with your make and model of Cobalt. All versions of the Cobalt have an ABS.

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench and raise the vehicle. Unplug the electrical connector for the wheel speed sensor and remove the retaining bolt with a socket wrench.

Remove the front wheel speed sensor. You may need to remove the brake rotor with a socket wrench and use a blunt punch to push the sensor from the back side of the knuckle if it will not slide out of the knuckle.

Insert a socket wrench through the hole in the rear wheel hub flange and hold the retaining nut on the back of the hub with a wrench. Remove the retaining bolts and detach the rear wheel hub and bearing assembly from the vehicle. This assembly includes the rear wheel speed sensor.

Install the wheel speed sensors by reversing the removal procedure. Ensure the front wheel speed sensor lays flat against the bosses on the knuckle and use a torque wrench to tighten the retaining bolt to 107 inch pounds. Torque the retaining bolts on the rear wheel hubs to 37 inch pounds.

 How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Impala

Determine which ABS wheel sensor your Chevy Impala will need. You'll want to be sure the new wheel sensor is compatible with your make and model of Impala. The Impala was first equipped with ABS in 2001 and the wheel speed sensors are built into the wheel bearing/hub assembly. This means the entire assembly has to be replaced.

Remove the wheel with a socket wrench. Disconnect the brake drum or brake caliper and bracket depending on which is present on that wheel. Unplug the electrical connector for the wheel speed sensor.

Disconnect the driveshaft nut with a socket wrench for the front wheels. Attach a front hub removal tool onto the three nuts of the wheel bearing/hub assembly and use the tool to push the driveshaft out of the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly and discard the bolts.

Unfasten the bolts that mount the rear wheel hub to the knuckle with a socket wrench. Disconnect the parking brake lever bracket and actuator with a socket wrench. Remove the rear wheel hub from the knuckle.

Install the new wheel/bearing hub by reversing the removal steps. For the front wheels, use a torque wrench to tighten the new wheel bearing/hub assembly bolts to 96 foot pounds and the drive shaft nut to 118 foot pounds. Torque the bolts for the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly to 55 foot pounds.

 How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Camaro

Determine which ABS wheel sensor your Chevy Camaro will need. You'll want to be sure the new wheel sensor is compatible with your make and model of Camaro. ABS was introduced with the fourth generation of the Camaro in 1993 and the wheel speed sensor may be removed as a single unit.

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery with a socket wrench and isolate it to prevent accidental contact with the battery. Raise the vehicle and unplug the electrical connector for the wheel speed sensor.

Clean any debris from the contact area between the wheel speed sensor and its housing. Remove the mounting bolt for the wheel speed sensor with a socket wrench. Pull the wheel speed sensor straight up from the rear axle housing.

Install the new wheel speed sensor on the rear axle housing and use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to 89 inch pounds. Plug in the electrical connector to the wheel speed sensor.

Lower the vehicle and connect the negative battery cable to the battery with a socket wrench.

 How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor in a Chevy Silverado

Determine which ABS wheel sensor your Chevy Silverado will need. Make sure the new wheel sensor is compatible with your make and model of Silverado. All versions of the Silverado have had ABS since its debut in 1999.

Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel with a socket wrench. Disconnect the brake rotor with a socket wrench and remove the wheel speed sensor mounting clips from the frame, knuckle and upper control arm.

Unplug the electrical connector for the wheel sensor and remove the wheel speed sensor mounting bolt with a socket wrench.

Remove the wheel sensor from the wheel hub/bearing assembly by pulling it straight out of the bore. Do not attempt to pry the sensor out of the bore as this can break the sensor.

Clean the wheel sensor mounting surface on the hub with a wire brush to remove any corrosion. Apply a thin layer of wheel bearing lubricant to the hub surface and O-ring before installing the wheel sensor.

Install the new wheel speed sensor by reversing the removal steps. Ensure the sensor is seated against the hub and use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel sensor mounting bolt to 13 foot pounds.