The advent of electronic control has significantly improved the safety and intelligence of braking systems, even though traditional brake components might not have changed much.
Technologies like electronic stability, brake assist, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard. All of these, however, wouldn’t be feasible without one little but crucial component, the ABS or wheel speed sensor.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are one of the most crucial safety elements in contemporary vehicles. Anti-lock brakes are standard for most current vehicles—and it isn’t without reasons. In general, anti-lock braking is quite beneficial.
Particularly in slick or rainy conditions, they make driving easy for the driver by providing extra stability and keeping the car from falling apart. Having said that, it’s important to be aware of a few potential disadvantages. This blog is a guide to ABS Sensor, we’ll list every significant advantage of ABS and a few minor drawbacks.
What is an ABS Sensor?
The purpose of an ABS sensor is to track the rotational direction and speed of a vehicle’s wheels electronically. It generates an electrical signal sent to the ABS control module using sensors and magnets to detect wheel movement. Using this data, the ABS control module can assess whether the wheels are about to lock up and alter the braking force to prevent this.
Depending on the make and model of the car, the ABS sensor is mounted to the steering knuckle, brake calliper, or suspension arm close to the wheel hub. It is typically a little plastic or metal part that is clipped or fastened to the wheel assembly. ABS sensors come in two primary categories: passive and active.
An improved braking system called an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is frequently featured in more recent cars. The ABS sensor measures the rotor velocity of all four wheels and transmits the information to the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM), which uses this information to evaluate whether the wheels are locking up since no two wheels rotate at the same speed.
More In Guide To ABS Sensor
Abs brake function is swift and can be applied more quickly than traditional brakes. In contemporary car braking systems, an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) sensor is a part that aids in preventing the wheels from locking up and sliding during harsh braking.
The sensor keeps track of each wheel’s speed and relays it to the ABS control module. In order to minimise skidding and keep the driver in control of the steering, the ABS control module modifies the brake pressure for each wheel.
The more traditional passive sensors use a toothed ring on the wheel hub to produce a voltage signal when the wheel rotates. On the other hand, active sensors produce an electrical signal using a magnetic field. They consist of a magnet and a coil of wire wound around a core; when the magnet moves through the wire, an electrical current is produced.
ABS sensors are essential for the ABS system to function properly because they give the control module the data it needs to regulate the braking system. The ABS warning light will illuminate the dashboard, and the ABS system will be turned off if the ABS sensor malfunctions.
The vehicle will still be able to break in this scenario, but the added safety benefit of the ABS system won’t be there. A skilled mechanic needs to identify and replace a damaged ABS sensor as soon as feasible.
Components of ABS
1. Valves
The brake line’s valves block & release pressure by adopting one of three positions:
- The valve is open when in the initial position, allowing the pressure from the master cylinder to directly pressurise the brake.
- The valve is blocked in the second spot, isolating the brake from the master cylinder. If the driver applies more force to the brakes, this setting prevents hydraulic pressure from rising.
- The valve partially releases braking pressure in the third position.
The system’s central processing unit is the ABS control module. It decides how to modify the braking system to avoid wheel lockup based on information from the ABS sensors.
ABS sensors are used to measure the rotational speed of each wheel and are installed close to the hub of each wheel. ABS sensors come in active and passive varieties. A particular kind of sensor used in automobile anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, is the ABS pressure sensor. It is in charge of gauging the hydraulic pressure in the brake system and communicating this data to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU then uses this information to calculate the ideal brake pressure required to avoid wheel lockup when braking.
2. Pump
The valve & pump work together to release the brakes’ built-up pressure while raising the pressure. These hydraulic fluid-filled valves pressurise the brake as necessary. The ABS pump inflates the hydraulic unit’s braking fluid under pressure. It is usually found in the engine area and generates pressure using an electric motor.
3. Controller
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manages the valves and monitors the speed sensors. The decision to or not to use the brakes is decided using information from the sensors.
4. Hydraulic Unit
A hydraulic unit regulates the amount of brake pressure applied to each wheel. It consists of a brake fluid flow-controlling pump, accumulator, and valves.
5. Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors resemble ABS sensors but serve other functions. These can aid traction control and stability control systems and are utilised by the car’s internal computer to track the speed of the wheels. The ABS, TCS, and ESC control systems calculate the wheel speed based on data from wheel speed sensors. Using this data to prevent a wheel from locking and identify whenever the wheels were spinning, the vehicle’s stability & steering response is maintained.
Using anisotropic magneto-resistance effects, such as AMR or GMR, the wheel speed is determined. The wheel speed sensors can tell control systems like ABS, TCS, and ESC about the wheel’s rotational speed thanks to these technologies and integrated signal processing, our most recent generation of sensors can perform a wide range of tasks.
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature in modern vehicles that helps to prevent wheel lockup during braking and maintain vehicle stability, especially in emergency situations. An essential part of a car’s braking system, an anti-lock brake sensor (ABS sensor) collaborates with the anti-lock brake system to avoid skidding and increase vehicle control while braking.
The sensor is intended to determine the direction and speed of the wheels and provide that information to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU then employs this information to regulate the brake system’s pressure and avoid wheel locking, which can result in a loss of control of the car.
The ABS (anti-lock braking system) brake’s function is to prevent the wheels from skidding when the driver hits the brake hard. The anti-lock brake sensor replacement involves identifying the faulty sensor and then removing and replacing it with a new one.
Advantages of ABS Sensors
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Increase Vehicle Safety
The main purpose of ABS sensors is to increase vehicle safety by preventing wheel lockup during emergency braking. This lowers the likelihood of accidents by enabling the driver to maintain steering control and stability.
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Improved Stopping Power
Particularly on ice, ABS technology, dramatically reduces the chances of your tires locking up & your car swerving, especially while driving in slick conditions. It is not an exaggeration to state that this can save lives by assisting drivers in keeping control of their vehicles and steering clear of potentially hazardous situations.
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Lower Insurance Prices
Contrary to popular belief, vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) can help you save money on your auto insurance because they reduce the likelihood of collisions.
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Lifespan
ABS sensors are made to be long-lasting, dependable, and durable. This implies that they need less upkeep, which lowers the frequency of replacements and repairs.
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Increased Resale Value
Your vehicle’s value is increased with ABS technology. Since ABS is so commonplace on modern automobiles and trucks, not having it will result in a lower selling price for your car or truck.
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Cost-effective
Although ABS sensors may initially cost more than conventional braking systems, they may become less expensive in the long run because of their enhanced safety features and lower maintenance needs.
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Makes Traction Control Better
It is simpler for manufacturers to implement traction control in the factory since anti-lock brake systems and advanced traction control technologies share several fundamental infrastructures.
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Improved handling on Wet conditions
By preventing the wheels from locking up and causing the car to skid, ABS sensors can aid in enhancing the handling of a vehicle on slick or wet surfaces.
Also Read: Different Types of Brake Pads and What is the Best to Buy
Conclusion
Here we come to the end of the “Guide To ABS Sensor.” Let’s have a quick revision of it. ABS sensors are essential for the following tasks,
- Increasing braking efficiency.
- Handling, and safety.
- They avoid wheel locking during emergency braking, helping the driver to keep stability and steering control while lowering the likelihood of collisions.
- Reduced stopping lengths and improve overall braking performance.
Car brake mechanics are proficient in carrying out various tasks, like-
- Replacing brake pads
- Resurfacing or replacing rotors
- Mending brake lines
- Flushing brake fluid.
When looking for an anti-brake system repair service, look for someone who is a brake specialist in Adelaide and has the experience and a solid reputation in the business. Start by reading online reviews and ratings left by past customers. You can also ask friends and family for advice.
Mobile Mechanic Adelaide offers comprehensive braking services like, anti-lock brake sensor replacement, brake pad replacements, rotor resurfacing or replacement, brake line repairs, and brake fluid flushes.
One of its benefits is the convenience of having a mobile brake mechanic come to the customer’s site, saving time and effort. Engine, braking, suspension, battery, and general maintenance services are just a few of the many services Mobile Mechanic Adelaide may offer.
