The powertrain control module (PCM) in your 2002 Rodeo monitors the wheel speed sensors to determine the individual breaking patterns of each tire. This information comes in handy during wet or snowy road conditions. By applying more or less braking force to the tires individually, the PCM helps you avoid skidding. If the wheel speed sensors are defective, they should be replaced immediately. You can do the repair in the driveway at home in two hours or less.
Open the driver’s door and apply the emergency brake. Place a wheel block firmly into position behind both rear tires.
Loosen the lug nuts on the front passenger-side tire with a lug wrench a half turn counterclockwise. Raise the vehicle with a hydraulic jack and place a jack stand 3 inches from the hydraulic jack on the left, beneath the frame rail. The bottom of the tire should be no more than 6 inches from the ground.
Remove all lug nuts and slide the tire off the wheel studs using both hands. Roll the tire to the side and put the lug nuts in a safe location.
Locate the wheel speed sensor at the rear of the hub assembly. The sensor’s wire should be the only wire running to the hub assembly. The wire connects at two other locations along the frame.
Follow the wire from the sensor to its first retaining clip bolt. Remove the bolt with a socket wrench and continue following the wire 10 to 12 inches. Remove the second clip’s bolt and unplug the wiring harness plug just in front of the second retaining clip.
Remove the upper and lower bolts that hold the wheel speed sensor in place on the hub assembly. Withdraw the sensor from its mounting position.
Place the new speed sensor in its mounting position in the hub assembly. Start screwing in both upper and lower mounting bolts by hand. Set your 1/4-inch drive torque wrench to 95 inch-pounds, and secure both bolts in place.
Lay the new sensor’s wire along the same course on the frame. Return and tighten both retaining clip bolts until snug. Plug the wheel speed sensor’s wiring harness back to its connection the same way you had removed it.
Put the tire back on and return all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with your lug wrench until snug. Remove the jack stand and lower the truck until the tire meets the ground, but stop before all the vehicle's weight is transferred to the tire. Set your 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to 87 foot-pounds and continue the star tightening pattern until all lug nuts are secured. Lower the truck completely down, remove the hydraulic jack and both wheel blocks from the rear tires. Repeat this entire process to replace the other three speed sensors, if needed.
