Which anti-lock brake component is most likely located near each wheel?

The correct answer is the speed sensor, which is typically located near each wheel in an anti-lock brake system (ABS). The speed sensor plays a crucial role in monitoring the rotational speed of each wheel. This information is transmitted to the ABS control module, which uses it to determine whether a wheel is about to lock up during braking. When the system detects that a wheel is not rotating at the same speed as the others, it can modulate the brake pressure to that wheel to prevent skidding and maintain steering control.

The ABS module is generally positioned in a centralized location within the vehicle, often near the brake master cylinder or in the engine compartment, as it controls the overall ABS function for all wheels rather than being individualized for each one. The master cylinder is a component that contains the brake fluid and applies pressure to the braking system but is not wheel-specific. The brake fluid reservoir is also typically located away from the wheels, often integrated with the master cylinder, serving as the storage for brake fluid necessary for hydraulic operation but not directly involved in wheel speed monitoring.

Hence, the speed sensor's specific function and proximity to each wheel make it the most relevant component in this context.