False ABS, ESC Activation Causes And Cures
The first mass-produced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were introduced in 1985. By 2008, almost every passenger vehicle came standard with ABS. Next, electronic stability control (ESC) became a mandated safety feature for the 2012 model year. Along with all these advancements have come false activation complaints. Solving these has been a diagnostic conundrum through the years.
2007-2013 GM Full-Sized Truck (GMT900) Brake Job
The GMT900 debuted in 2007 and came standard with ABS and stability control. Keep reading for best practices for performing brake jobs on GM’s GMT900.
Troubleshooting ABS Modulator Mechanical Problems
Mechanical issues with the ABS modulator, or hydraulic control units (HCU), are rare, but they can happen. With more vehicles on the roads with older ABS systems that have not seen proper brake fluid maintenance, mechanical issues are becoming more common.
Tech Tip: ABS Light On Or False ABS Activation After Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement
If you diagnose a bad hub bearing on one side of a vehicle, and the ABS wheel speed sensor or tone ring is integral to the bearing, you may need additional repairs to restore proper ABS functioning. In many cases, replacing one hub bearing will cause the driver to feel ABS false activation when coming to a slow stop on dry pavement.
BRAKELIGHT: Anti-Skid Brakes (April 1972)
Anti-SKID Brakes During World War II, Dunlop developed an anti-lock brake system for high performance aircraft. It was a mechanical system designed to prevent wheel skids when planes landed at high speed on slick runways. In 1958, the first practical automotive ABS system, called Maxaret, was developed by the Road Research Laboratories in Great Britain
Electronic Proportioning Valve: Doing More With Less Hardware
Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and the HCU are replacing proportioning, combination and other valves to change the braking forces in the front and rear. This is called Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and it can dynamically change the proportioning to take into account if the vehicle is turning or is loaded.
How New Technologies Impact ABS Systems and Chassis Service
I’m sure you have all been to an ABS systems class where you’ve heard that the base brake system must be operating as designed in order for ABS systems to work properly. This is true, but many still perform brake service in the same way they always have.
2010-2013 Kia Soul Brake Repair
The 2010-2013 KIA Soul has one of the most trouble-free brake systems on the market. But, when some Kia Souls begin to push 50,000-70,000 miles, they can suffer more from cheap brake pad slaps and a lack of service to the calipers, ABS system and brake hardware.
BRAKE JOB: 2010-14: Chrysler Sebring/200 + Dodge Avenger
The brakes on the Chrysler Sebring/200 and Dodge Avenger are relatively problem free. There are very noise or pulsation complaints. There are no recalls or specific TSBs for the brakes. Replacing the brake pads and rotors is straightforward. But, care has to be taken to make sure the calipers are free and the rotors are
Ford: ABS Light On With DTCs C1175, C1236, P0500 or P0503
Model: 2005-’07 Super Duty Some 2005-‘07 Ford Super Duty vehicles may exhibit an ABS light on and possible diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C1175, C1236, P0500 and/or P0503. This condition may be due to faulty vehicle wiring, a failed wheel speed sensor or vehicle speed sensor (VSS) tone ring damage inside the rear differential case. The
Is Replacing Wheel Bearings in Pairs Ethical?
Replacing wheel bearings on both sides of a vehicle used to be standard procedure as it was economical insurance against a comeback. In those days, a set of bearings and races could be purchased under $5 a side, including the seal. A technician worth his salt could install and adjust a set of bearings in
Shocks and Struts: A Crucial Part of the Electronic Equation
When a vehicle’s ABS or stability control is really needed, how well it works is directly related to the tire’s contact patch. If the tire does not have traction, any type of electronic intervention or driving skill will not bring the car back under control. During a panic stop, weight transfers to the front tires,
