Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS)

The ABS was first developed for aircraft use in 1929 by the French automobiland aircraft pioneer,
Gabriel Voisin, as threshold braking on airplanes is nearly impossible. An early system was Dunlop's
Maxaret system, which was introduced in the 1950s and is still in use on some aircraft models.

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle
to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while
braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (that is, ceasing rotation) and therefore avoiding
skidding.

An ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and
slippery surfaces for many drivers; however, on loose surfaces like gravel or snow-covered
pavement, an ABS can significantly increase braking distance, although still improving vehicle
control.[1]

In 1971, General Motors introduced the "Trackmaster" rear-wheel only ABS as an option on
their Rear-wheel drive Cadillac models.[6][7] In the same year, Nissan offered an EAL (Electro
Anti-lock System) as an option on the Nissan President, which became Japan's first electronic
ABS.[8] n 1988, BMW introduced the first motorcycle with an electronic-hydraulic ABS: the
BMW K100. Honda followed suit in 1992 with the launch of its first motorcycle ABS on the
ST1100 Pan European. In 2007, Suzuki launched its GSF1200SA (Bandit) with an ABS. In
2005, Harley-Davidson began offering ABS as an option for police bikes. In 2008, ABS became
a factory-installed option on all Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles and standard equipment
on select models.[citation needed]

Since initial widespread use in production cars, anti-lock braking systems have evolved
considerably. Recent versions not only prevent wheel lock under braking, but also electronically
control the front-to-rear brake bias. This function, depending on its specific capabilities and
implementation, is known as electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control system,
emergency brake assist, or electronic stability control (ESC). The anti-lock brake controller is
also known as the CAB (Controller Anti-lock Brake)
The ABS is a four-wheel system that prevents wheel lock-up by automatically modulating the brake
pressure during an emergency stop. By preventing the wheels from locking, it enables the driver to
maintain steering control and to stop in the shortest possible distance under most conditions. During
normal braking, the ABS and non-ABS brake pedal feel will be the same. During ABS operation, a
pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, accompanied by a fall and then rise in brake pedal height and a
clicking sound.

Vehicles with ABS are equipped with a pedal-actuated, dual-brake system. The basic hydraulic
braking system consists of the following:

 ABS hydraulic control valves and electronic control unit

 Brake master cylinder
 Necessary brake tubes and hoses

The anti-lock brake system consists of the following components:

 Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU).

 Anti-lock brake control module.
 Front anti-lock brake sensors / rear anti-lock brake sensors.
 Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) operate as follows:
1. When the brakes are applied, fluid is forced from the brake master cylinder outlet ports to
the HCU inlet ports. This pressure is transmitted through four normally open solenoid
valves contained inside the HCU, then through the outlet ports of the HCU to each wheel.
2. The primary (rear) circuit of the brake master cylinder feeds the front brakes.
3. The secondary (front) circuit of the brake master cylinder feeds the rear brakes.
4. If the anti-lock brake control module senses a wheel is about to lock, based on anti-lock
brake sensor data, it closes the normally open solenoid valve for that circuit. This
prevents any more fluid from entering that circuit.
5. The anti-lock brake control module then looks at the anti-lock brake sensor signal from
the affected wheel again.
6. If that wheel is still decelerating, it opens the solenoid valve for that circuit.
7. Once the affected wheel comes back up to speed, the anti-lock brake control module
returns the solenoid valves to their normal condition allowing fluid flow to the affected
brake.
8. The anti-lock brake control module monitors the electromechanical components of the
system.
9. Malfunction of the anti-lock brake system will cause the anti-lock brake control module
to shut off or inhibit the system. However, normal power-assisted braking remains.
10. Loss of hydraulic fluid in the brake master cylinder will disable the anti-lock system.
[li[The 4-wheel anti-lock brake system is self-monitoring. When the ignition switch is
turned to the RUN position, the anti-lock brake control module will perform a
preliminary self-check on the anti-lock electrical system indicated by a three second
illumination of the yellow ABS wanting indicator.
11. During vehicle operation, including normal and anti-lock braking, the anti-lock brake
control module monitors all electrical anti-lock functions and some hydraulic operations.
12. Each time the vehicle is driven, as soon as vehicle speed reaches approximately 20 km/h
(12 mph), the anti-lock brake control module turns on the pump motor for approximately
one-half second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be heard. This is a normal function
of the self-check by the anti-lock brake control module.
13. When the vehicle speed goes below 20 km/h (12 mph), the ABS turns off.
14. Most malfunctions of the anti-lock brake system and traction control system, if equipped,
will cause the yellow ABS warning indicator to be illuminated.
Operation

The anti-lock brake controller is also known as the CAB (Controller Anti-lock Brake).[9]

A typical ABS includes a central electronic control unit (ECU), four wheel speed sensors, and at
least two hydraulic valves within the brake hydraulics. The ECU constantly monitors the
rotational speed of each wheel; if it detects a wheel rotating significantly slower than the others,
a condition indicative of impending wheel lock, it actuates the valves to reduce hydraulic
pressure to the brake at the affected wheel, thus reducing the braking force on that wheel; the
wheel then turns faster. Conversely, if the ECU detects a wheel turning significantly faster than
the others, brake hydraulic pressure to the wheel is increased so the braking force is reapplied,
slowing down the wheel. This process is repeated continuously and can be detected by the driver
via brake pedal pulsation. Some anti-lock system can apply or release braking pressure 16 times
per second.[10]

The ECU is programmed to disregard differences in wheel rotative speed below a critical
threshold, because when the car is turning, the two wheels towards the center of the curve turn
slower than the outer two. For this same reason, a differential is used in virtually all roadgoing
vehicles.

If a fault develops in any part of the ABS, a warning light will usually be illuminated on the
vehicle instrument panel, and the ABS will be disabled until the fault is rectified.

The modern ABS applies individual brake pressure to all four wheels through a control system of
hub-mounted sensors and a dedicated micro-controller. ABS is offered or comes standard on
most road vehicles produced today and is the foundation for ESC systems, which are rapidly
increasing in popularity due to the vast reduction in price of vehicle electronics over the years.[11]

Modern electronic stability control (ESC or ESP) systems are an evolution of the ABS concept.
Here, a minimum of two additional sensors are added to help the system work: these are a
steering wheel angle sensor, and a gyroscopic sensor. The theory of operation is simple: when
the gyroscopic sensor detects that the direction taken by the car does not coincide with what the
steering wheel sensor reports, the ESC software will brake the necessary individual wheel(s) (up
to three with the most sophisticated systems), so that the vehicle goes the way the driver intends.
The steering wheel sensor also helps in the operation of Cornering Brake Control (CBC), since
this will tell the ABS that wheels on the inside of the curve should brake more than wheels on
the outside, and by how much.

The ABS equipment may also be used to implement a traction control system(TCS) on
acceleration of the vehicle. If, when accelerating, the tire loses traction, the ABS controller can
detect the situation and take suitable action so that traction is regained. More sophisticated
versions of this can also control throttle levels and brakes simultaneously.
[edit] Components
There are four main components to an ABS: speed sensors, valves, a pump, and a controller.

Speed sensors
The anti-lock braking system needs some way of knowing when a wheel is about to lock
up. The speed sensors, which are located at each wheel, or in some cases in the
differential, provide this information.
Valves
There is a valve in the brake line of each brake controlled by the ABS. On some systems,
the valve has three positions:

 In position one, the valve is open; pressure from the master cylinder is passed right
through to the brake.
 In position two, the valve blocks the line, isolating that brake from the master cylinder.
This prevents the pressure from rising further should the driver push the brake pedal
harder.
 In position three, the valve releases some of the pressure from the brake.

Pump
Since the valve is able to release pressure from the brakes, there has to be some way to
put that pressure back. That is what the pump does; when a valve reduces the pressure in
a line, the pump is there to get the pressure back up.
Controller
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 brakeforce (EBD) and activate the ABS
modulator which actuates the braking valves on and off.
Brake types
Anti-lock braking systems use different schemes depending on the type of brakes in use. They
can be differentiated by the number of channels: that is, how many valves that are individually
controlled—and the number of speed sensors.[10]

Four-channel, four-sensor ABS

This is the best scheme. There is a speed sensor on all four wheels and a separate valve
for all four wheels. With this setup, the controller monitors each wheel individually to
make sure it is achieving maximum braking force.
Three-channel, three-sensor ABS
This scheme, commonly found on pickup trucks with four-wheel ABS, has a speed
sensor and a valve for each of the front wheels, with one valve and one sensor for both
rear wheels. The speed sensor for the rear wheels is located in the rear axle. This system
provides individual control of the front wheels, so they can both achieve maximum
braking force. The rear wheels, however, are monitored together; they both have to start
to lock up before the ABS will activate on the rear. With this system, it is possible that
one of the rear wheels will lock during a stop, reducing brake effectiveness.
One-channel, one-sensor ABS
This system is commonly found on pickup trucks with rear-wheel ABS. It has one valve,
which controls both rear wheels, and one speed sensor, located in the rear axle. This
system operates the same as the rear end of a three-channel system. The rear wheels are
monitored together and they both have to start to lock up before the ABS kicks in. In this
system it is also possible that one of the rear wheels will lock, reducing brake
effectiveness. This system is easy to identify. Usually there will be one brake line going
through a T-fitting to both rear wheels.
Getting Ready For an ABS Sensor Clean Up

If your ABS sensor looks like this, you might have problems.
There are many things that can cause your ABS light to come on. Some are serious, so you
should never just ignore the light. But there are times when the light comes on and can be met
with a simple solution. For instance, a dirty ABS wheel sensor can cause the system to trigger
the ABS light during self evaluation. You'll be shocked when you see how much road gunk can
accumulate on this very important sensor.

Even if your ABS light hasn't made an appearance, it's a good idea to clean the sensor. A good
time to do it would be during brake pad replacement when you have the wheels off anyway.

What You'll Need:

 Ratchet wrench and sockets

 Ratchet extension
 Jack
 Jack stands
 A strong rag

Get your stuff together and you're ready to start.

diagram 1: Brake caliper (1) and wheel speed sensor (2)
Wheel speed sensor (A), ABS control module (B),
hydraulic motor and pressure release valves (C), Brake pipe leading to caliper (D)
ABS vs no ABS
You may have heard that it's possible to slow down quicker in a car without ABS. This has
elements of truth, but in practical terms the benefits of ABS massively outweigh the slightly
longer braking distances. For road use, ABS is an absolute must as it will allow you to steer out
of the way of unexpected hazards. Diagrams 2 and 3 below explain the practical reasons for
ABS.

: Braking hard on a slippery surface with ABS

In the diagram above, the driver hits the brakes hard on a slippery surface (1), then steers (2), and
successfully manages to avoid the obstacle. ABS prevents the wheels from locking, and this
allows you steer.
:Braking without ABS:

Without ABS, as the driver applies the brakes the wheels lock (1). Despite applying steering lock, the car
continues straight ahead due to the loss of steering control (2) and a collision results.
warning light:

If the light is on all the time, it could mean you simply forgot to release the parking (emergency)
brake. The brake warning light remains on when the brake is set as a reminder. If the brake
warning light remains on when the parking brake is released, then something is amiss.

In some cases, the brake warning light may remain on if the switch on the parking brake pedal or
lever is misadjusted. Nothing is wrong with the brakes and a simple adjustment should fix the
problem.

If the brake warning light comes on when you apply the brakes, or is on continuously, it means
that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the
master cylinder is dangerously low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system). In either case,
the fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked. Adding brake fluid to the master
cylinder reservoir may temporarily solve the problem. But if there's a leak, the new fluid will
soon be lost and the warning light will come back on.

Brake fluid leaks are serious because they may cause the brakes to fail! So avoid driving the
vehicle until the system can be inspected to determine what's wrong. Leaks can occur in brake
hoses, brake lines, disc brake calipers, drum brake wheel cylinders or the master cylinder itself.
Wet spots at hose or line connections would indicate a leak that needs to be fixed.

Leaking brake fluid can also contaminate the brake linings, causing them to slip or grab. The
uneven braking action that results may cause the vehicle to veer to one side when the brakes are
applied. Brake shoes or pads that have been contaminated with brake fluid cannot be dried out
and must be replaced.

Brake Warning Light Circuit

The brake system is divided into two hydraulic circuits. On most rear-wheel drive vehicles, it is
divided so one circuit applies the front brakes and the other applies the rear brakes. On front-
wheel drive cars and minivans, the system is usually split diagonally. One circuit works the right
front and left rear brake, and the other works the left front and right rear brake. This is done for
safety purposes so if one circuit loses all its brake fluid and fails, the vehicle will still have one
remaining circuit to apply two wheel brakes.

Usually located on the master cylinder or the brake lines exiting the master cylinder is a
"pressure differential" switch. If either brake circuit develops a leak and loses its fluid, the
difference in pressure when the brakes are applied will trip the differential switch causing the
brake warning light to come on.
Abs Warning Light
On vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), a second warning light is provided to warn if
a problem occurs within the ABS system. The ABS lamp comes on when the ignition is turned
on for a bulb check, then goes out after the engine starts. If the ABS warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates a fault has occurred in the ABS system.

What happens next depends on the nature of the fault. On most applications, the ABS system
disables itself if the ABS warning light comes on and remains on. This should have no effect on
normal braking. Even so, ABS will NOT be available in an emergency situation or when braking
on a wet or slick surface.

CAUTION: If the brake warning light also comes on and remains on while the ABS warning
light it on, it signals a serious problem. Your vehicle may not be safe to drive. The brakes and
ABS system should be inspected immediately to determine the nature of the problem!

If the ABS light comes on momentarily then goes out, the nature of the problem is usually minor
and the ABS system usually remains fully operational. Some vehicle manufacturers call this kind
of fault a "nonlatching" fault (meaning it isn't serious enough to disable the ABS system).

Regardless of the type of fault that occurred to trigger the ABS warning lamp, a special "code" is
recorded in the ABS module's memory to aid in diagnosing the problem. On some vehicles this
code can be retrieved by putting the ABS system into a special diagnostic mode. The code is then
flashed out through the ABS warning lamp. The code number refers to a diagnostic chart in a
service manual that must be followed to pinpoint the faulty component. On other applications, a
special "scan tool" must be plugged into the vehicle's diagnostic connector to read out the fault
code.
 

What you should know about...Anti-lock Braking Systems

ABS ... What is it?

ABS is an abbreviation for Anti-lock Braking System. It was designed to help the driver maintain
some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking.

ABS was introduced in the mid -1980s and has become "standard" equipment on the majority of
vehicles sold in Canada. ABS in cars and most Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPV’s) works on all four
wheels. This promotes directional stability and allows steering while maximizing braking.

The ABS in most pick-up trucks works only on the rear wheels, which promotes directional
stability only. However, there are some available with ABS on all four wheels.

Anti-lock Braking systems were developed to reduce skidding and maintain steering control
when brakes are used in an emergency situation.

However, cars with anti-lock brakes are up to 65% more likely to be in fatal crashes than
cars without them, says a new US study. It appears that the problem isn't with the
technology, it's poor driving habits and lack of driver awareness on how the brakes operate.
Driver who rely on technology instead of better driving habits to improve safety are driving
down a dangerous road.

Since much of the problem stems from lack of awareness of how to use the brakes,
education is needed. Here are Manitoba Safety Council tips on operating ABS-equipped
cars:

In an emergency situation, apply your brakes hard and stay on them.  The more pedal
chatter the better.
Don't pump your brakes.  Pumping is for standard brakes. It completely robs ABS brakes
of their effectiveness.
Remember that ABS brakes do not help you stop quicker under most conditions. They do
help you maintain steering control during braking so you can veer around obstacles.
The general rule of thumb is that if you have to avoid an obstacle, veer to the right. This
way, you avoid oncoming traffic.
Don't become an over-confident driver because you have ABS.  Drive prudently as you
always should.

Anti-lock brakes are designed to keep cars from going into a skid when the brakes are
applied in an emergency.  Designed to allow the driver steering control, ABS brakes work by
automatically actuating the brakes on and off during emergency stops. They are effective in
helping drivers avoid accidents. In certain situations, ABS brakes can help to shorten
stopping distances.

Control under
heavy braking
ABS allows you to
maintain control of the
vehicle. Since four-wheel
ABS prevents all wheels
from skidding, it allows
you to steer the vehicle
and still maintain braking.

How does it work?

ABS uses wheel speed sensors to determine if one or more wheels are trying to lock up during
braking. If a wheel tries to lock up, a series of hydraulic valves limit or reduce the braking on that
wheel. This prevents skidding and allows you to maintain steering control

How do I use ABS?

 Apply steady and constant pressure
- do not take your foot off the brake
pedal until the vehicle has stopped
and do not pump the brake.

What is that noise and vibration?

This is normal and indicates that the ABS is active. Various ABS sound or feel differently. Some of
the effects, for example are:

a groaning noise
a rapid pulsing of the brake pedal
a periodic dropping of the brake pedal
a hard (non compliant) brake pedal
a light that turns on to say "low traction".

You should familiarize yourself with how your system functions by first reading the "Owner’s
Manual" and then testing your ABS in an empty parking lot under various climatic conditions i.e.
dry, wet, snow and ice.

Brake pedal will pulsate

As the ABS engages, you may feel
the brake pedal pulsating. This is
caused by the system applying and
releasing pressure to the brakes.

The noise associated with ABS when it is functioning should not be confused with brake squeal. If
your brakes squeal under normal braking, this may mean the brake pads are worn and need
replacing. A pulsing brake pedal every time you apply the brakes may mean warped brake rotors
and/or seized brake calipers that require servicing.
 

Is the stopping distance shorter with ABS?

No! From early commercials, it may have looked like you could stop on a dime. That
instantaneous stop is not realistic. When braking on dry or wet roads your stopping distance will
be about the same as with conventional brakes.

You should allow for a longer stopping distance with ABS than for conventional brakes when
driving on gravel, slush, and snow. This is because the rotating tire will stay on top of this low
traction road surface covering, and effectively "float" on this boundary layer.

A non ABS braked vehicle can lock its tires and create a snow plow effect in front of the tires
which helps slow the vehicle. These locked tires can often find more traction below this boundary
layer.

ABS warnings!
My ABS light comes on. What should I do?

When you start your vehicle an ABS indicator light will illuminate on the instrument panel for a
few seconds. This is normal.

My ABS light stays on. What should I do?

This means the ABS is not working. However, the conventional braking system is working. We
recommend that you take your vehicle to your nearest dealer for servicing as soon as possible.

My ABS light and my brake warning light both stay on. What should I do?

DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE! You have no brakes. Have it towed to your nearest dealer.

 
 

Road surfaces and ABS

Road hazards that will

cause the ABS to function
unexpectedly are gravel,
sand, ice, snow, mud,
railway tracks, potholes,
manhole covers, and even
road markings when it is
raining.

The ABS cannot make up

for road conditions or bad
judgment. It is still the
driver’s responsibility to
drive at reasonable
speeds for weather and
traffic conditions. Always
leave a margin of safety.