How to Fix a Car’s Anti-Lock Brakes?

As a car owner, you are faced with many situations where you have to be the mechanic to your precious machine and fix what is wrong or defective. Let’s face it, not everyone is born with the talent to understand the intricacies of how our vehicle works. Don’t worry, I am here to help through it all.

For those of you who have been wondering, how you can fix your car’s anti-lock braking system, allow me to help you understand this by stating some facts. But before proceeding, let’s quickly have a look at what are Anti-Lock Brakes and their functions to learn a little more about them.

What are Anti-Lock Brakes?

Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS, if you might call it, is a safety anti-skid braking system that comes installed in vehicles like cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles. It prevents the vehicle from locking up in case of emergency braking, thus allowing the vehicle to maintain a tractive force between the road & the vehicle. It allows the driver to have a good grip over their vehicle during accidents, emergency, panic or harsh braking conditions.

The main aim of the anti-lock braking system or ABS is to stop the car from skidding when the driver applies sharp brakes. When you apply brakes hard while driving at a high speed, the wheels of your car could be locked. This locking of the wheel causes the car to lose adhesion and you can drop the charge of the steering. However, with the help of ABS, you will not have to face this situation anymore.

| Also Read: How Does a Car Brake System Work? |

Function of ABS

Anti-lock braking systems are hydromechanical & non-electrical models and were actually introduced a few years ago. These brakes were mechanically controlled to modulate brake application.

In contrast to this, the contemporary anti-lock braking systems are controlled by a computer using the electro-hydro mechanical brake hydraulic systems.

The ABS electronic module is an important part when it comes to the hydromechanical braking controller. There can also be electrical relays that fire when the system is called to duty which helps in triggering the ABS sensors mechanically.

Now that we have learned a few things about ABS with their functions, let’s dig a little deep and learn a few more things about them. Brake Repair isn’t an easy job, so get your tools and thinking cap out.

What are the components of the anti-lock braking system?

The ABS is made up of 4 segments:

Valves – These examine the amount of pressure in each brake line and helps in relieving pressure in the cases of being high.

Controller – This is a computer that controls the valves and monitors the speed sensors.

Speed sensors – Speed Sensors help in warning the system when the wheel is about to lock up.

Pump – The pump helps in enhancing the pressure again if it has been released in the brake line.

|Also Read: Car Brake Fluid Check: Which Brake Fluid is Best for your Car? |

Evolution of ABS

The technology of Anti-lock braking is centuries old.
Since World War II, anti-lock braking systems have been used by aircraft as during that time these were the only means of gathering information.
The first-time anti-lock braking systems were used on automobiles in the 1920s.
However, during the early 90s, these anti-skid or anti-lock braking systems were made common in cars and trucks. This turned out to be a positive step towards improved vehicle control and safety during hard braking and in cases of slippery conditions.
It might seem that ABS is complicated, but it’s quite simple.
If you encounter a skid while braking, the ABS control module senses a pause or slowdown in wheel rotation, modulating brake application that will help you in preventing any kind of hassles.
In the case of a conventional skid, steering losses control allowing your vehicle to travel in the direction of the skid. In this condition, anti-lock braking pulses the brakes, resulting in an improved measure of control out of the skid.
A typical ABS has four-wheel sensors, an anti-lock electronic control, hydraulic control unit, and a module. Under normal conditions, this technique applies brake cylinder hydraulic pressure to all or any four brakes.
Now that you have completely understood about ABS and their working, we should not waste any more time in this and quickly move forward to learn how they can be fixed. If you’re someone who isn’t very well-versed with DIY repair, I would recommend you to drive down to a car service centre instead of risking the possibility of an inefficient braking system.

| Also Read: Squeaky Car Brakes: How to Stop Car Brakes from Squeaking? |

How to fix a car’s anti-lock brakes?

In a car, the ABS works with the braking system & helps in maintaining control during emergencies like slippery or wet roads. And when ABS is on, the ABS light inside your vehicle will switch on informing you that there might be something wrong with your car that needs to get fixed. But, there can be many reasons for the turning of ABS lights on..[Continue Reading]