Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is one of the automobile safety gadgets that allows the wheels on a vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (ceasing rotation) and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.
There are four main components in the anti-lock braking system, they includes:
Speed sensors
A speed sensor is used to determine the acceleration or deceleration of the wheel.
Valves
There is a valve in the brake line of each brake controlled by the ABS.
The majority of problems with the valve system occur due to clogged valves. When a valve is clogged it is unable to open, close, or change position. An inoperable valve will prevent the system from modulating the valves and controlling pressure supplied to the brakes.
Pump
The pump in the ABS is used to restore the pressure to the hydraulic brakes after the valves have released it. A signal from the controller will release the valve at the detection of wheel slip.
Controller
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The controller is an ECU type unit in the car which receives information from each individual wheel speed sensor, in turn if a wheel loses traction the signal is sent to the controller, the controller will then limit the brake force (EBD) and activate the ABS modulator which actuates the braking valves on and off.
The anti-lock braking system is meant to illuminate when your ignition key is at the ON I position and stay on for not more than 30secs if the whole system is working properly. If you find the ABS indicator flashing or stay on while the engine is running it simply means a component or more is not functioning in the system which requires the system to be diagnosed or meet with a technician to help flush and refill the system with the manufacturer’s specified brake fluid for the system.
COMMON PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH ABS
- Air in brake line
- Contaminated or degraded brake fluid
- Short circuit in wheel sensor voltage line
- Failed wheel sensor
NB: If the ABS light comes on, don’t panic!: While this means that immediate attention is required to inspect the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), your car is still safe to use under normal driving conditions. ABS is designed to help your car stop safely in emergency situations
