ABS Archives - Page 6 of 15 - Brake & Front End
How Software Is Changing Braking

There was a time when advancements in brake technology were entirely hardware based. The change from drum brakes to disc brakes, the introduction of semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads, and the addition of power brakes as standard equipment were all changes that were all achieved by redesigned and improved brake system components. Today, electronics is driving most of the advancements in braking technology.

Accelerometers and Yaw Sensors Diagnosis (ABS + ESC)

Accelerometers measure gravitational pull in gravitational force or G-force. Some cars will have one or two sensors depending on sophistication of the system.

ABS/ESC Brake Solenoid Diagnostics

The ABS computer or HCU is a node on a high-speed vehicle bus. This means that the information can be typically accessed through the OBDII DLC. The ABS controller/modulator is the heart of any ABS or ESC system. The modulator gets the brake pressure from the master cylinder. Inside are the valves and solenoids that control the pressures to the wheel. During normal operation, the pressure from the master cylinder goes through the HCU unaltered.

BWD Automotive Releases 370 New Part Numbers

This expanded coverage for BWD is highlighted by 37 new ABS speed sensors for an additional 3 million VIO. Other expanded categories include relays, emission controls, sensors, computerized engine controls and more than 130 new multi-function and combination switches.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. Releases 370 New Parts For Standard And Intermotor

This line expansion features more than 130 new switches including combination, multi-function, cruise control, pedal height adjustment, power seat memory and more, covering greater than 60 million additional VIO.

Electrical: Hand Wire Splicing for Sensitive Connections

A long time ago, I learned a method of splicing wire that has stuck with me since those early days. I actually picked this method up while I was in the military (USMC), so I can’t take credit for inventing it or perfecting it.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. Expands Intermotor Import Line With More Than 1,500 New Parts

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) has expanded its Intermotor line of genuine import engine control products by adding more than 1,500 import parts in 2012, bringing its total Intermotor line coverage to more than 14,000 genuine import parts.

ABS/ESC: Hydraulic Control Unit/Modulator Diagnostics

Under normal braking conditions, the master cylinder supplies fluid to the HCU and routes the pressure to the calipers. The solenoids are not energized allowing fluid to pass directly from the master cylinder to the caliper. The top solenoid is an isolation valve that isolates the HCU from the master cylinder during stability control interventions;

Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics for Meters and Scopes

There is no way to quickly tell if a Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) is passive or active. Both sensors have two wires and are located in the same position on the vehicle. Often, the service information will not indicate what types of sensors are on the vehicle

VIEWPOINT: Brake Reflashing takes Centerstage

How a moose and a Cherokee could change your brake business.

Tool Tip: Maximizing Tools: Diagnosing ABS/ESC Hydraulic Control Units

Brake & Front End Editor Andrew Markel finds the root cause of a brake pull using Innovative Products of America’s Brake System Analyzer.

Tech Tip: VW TPMS Systems without Wheel Position Recognition

These vehicles use the Direct TPMS system.