ABS Brake Repair

What ABS does

Anti-lock brakes keep your tires from skidding when you brake hard, especially on wet or slippery roads. Sensors at each wheel watch wheel speed, and if one wheel suddenly slows much faster than the others, the system eases the brake on that wheel until it grips again.

It can do this many times per second, which is the same thing drivers used to do by pumping the pedal, only faster and more evenly. You can feel it as a hard pulse in the pedal during a panic stop. That pulse is normal and means the system is working. Do not pump the pedal yourself during an ABS stop.

Signs the ABS system needs attention

The system lights a dash warning when it detects a fault, but you may notice other changes first.

• The ABS warning light comes on and stays on after you start the car
• ABS and traction control lights on together
• ABS pulsing on dry pavement when you are not braking hard
• Squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal, which point to regular brake wear

Common causes

A broken or dirty wheel speed sensor is a frequent cause. Corroded wiring harnesses and worn electrical connections can do the same, and so can a fault in the ABS control module.

We scan the system, test the sensors and wiring, and tell you which part has failed before any parts are replaced.

Bring it in

Visit whichever of our shops is closest. We will explain what we find and what the repair involves before we start.