What Causes Anti-lock Braking System Failure?
2 Answers
The causes of anti-lock braking system failure are as follows: 1. Severe brake pad wear: Brake pads come in two types - those with sensor wires and those without. Brake pads with sensor wires will automatically complete the circuit when worn to the limit position, triggering the warning light. Brake pads without sensor wires won't provide automatic alerts but will produce a metallic scraping sound to indicate the need for replacement. 2. Low brake fluid level: Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the vehicle's braking system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force is transmitted by the master cylinder piston through the brake fluid to the wheel cylinders at each wheel, causing the brake pads to contact the wheels and stop the vehicle. Insufficient brake fluid can lead to significantly reduced braking force, and in severe cases, complete brake failure. This situation can be resolved by promptly replenishing the brake fluid.
I've encountered ABS failures several times during my 20 years of driving. The most common issue is wheel speed sensors getting clogged with mud or gravel, or damaged after collisions – they're mounted near the wheels and easily accumulate grime on rough roads. Wiring problems like aged/broken cables or corroded connectors interrupting signals to the control unit are also troublesome. ABS module failures are quite possible too, where internal electronics fail due to aging or water damage. Hydraulic components like stuck pumps or valves can trigger the ABS light. When this happens, I immediately pull over to inspect, cleaning dirty sensors myself if possible – if that doesn't work, it's straight to the repair shop. Without ABS, emergency braking becomes prone to skidding, especially dangerous in rain, so prompt repairs are crucial for safety.
