ABS repair & replacement done differently

What does the ABS do?

The ABS, or anti-lock braking system, on your car is a super important system that keeps your braking in check under hard braking. The system is especially important when braking in adverse weather conditions, i.e. when the road surface is slippery due to leaves, frost or when there are traces of oil on the road. Because of this, keeping your anti-lock braking systems properly maintained is vital
There's a couple of components in the system that can cause problems. In many cases it will be the ABS sensors which fail, having as the result that the system is not provided with accurate information from the wheels. That means that the ABS control module is no longer able to reliably adjust the brake pressure at each wheel, no longer preventing the wheels from locking up.

When should you consider replacing the ABS Control Module?

The ABS control module rarely needs replacing as it is mainly an electrical component. The component does not need regular servicing, however there are a number of things that can go wrong with the module. Sometimes the electrical connectors can corrode, or internal damage can occur due to wear. If there are issues the ABS light will light up on your dashboard, but if you have any doubts about the component working properly have it inspected by a professional. In any case, make sure to follow the brake maintenance guidelines stipulated by your car's manufacturer.

When should you consider replacing the ABS sensors?

Whilst ABS problems can be due to a myriad of issues, usually caused by issues in the electrical system or the ABS ring. Sometimes it can simply be that the ABS sensors need replacing, they usually malfunction when covered in debris or grease. Before carrying out a repair, though, it is always a advisable to consider an inspection by a professional mechanic first.

When do you know you should replace the ABS ring?

In many cases problems with the ABS lie with the sensors and ABS rings fitted at each wheel, they work together to measure brake lock at wheel. If one of these components is faulty the system cannot do its work properly. Sometimes the ABS ring (or ABS reluctor ring) can corrode or simply break preventing the sensor from properly measuring the amount of wheel lock at a wheel. Of course, if a mechanic diagnoses a problem with the ABS ring, then action should be taken for example by replacing it.

How do you know there is something wrong with the ABS?

*The brakes do not respond as well as normal under hard breaking.
*The brakes lock up very easily when braking on slippery surfaces.
*The car's ABS warning light is on.

What happens during an ABS repair?

*Depending on the specific job - an ABS repair may include all or some of the following steps
*Mechanic will inspect the ABS system.
*If necessary, the mechanic will replace the ABS control module, ABS pump, ABS Motor or ABS sensors.
*Mechanic will bleed the braking system and refill with fresh brake fluid.
*Mechanic will test drive and inspect the braking system.
*If necessary, the mechanic will make any adjustments.

How much does an ABS repair cost?

The cost of an ABS repair depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your ABS system repaired by Clickmechanic. We can help you with an ABS sensor replacement, ABS control module replacement or ABS ring replacement, just select your car at the top of this page to get a quote.

What does an ABS Control Module do?

The ABS control module controls the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which is a system that keeps the car in check under hard braking. With other words it prevents the brakes from locking up and sending the car into a slide, especially on slippery surfaces like roads with patches of leaves, oil or snow.

The control module monitors the ABS sensors at each wheel and interprets that information. Subsequently, to prevent the brakes from locking up, the control module will adjust the brake pressure at each wheel accordingly.

How do you know there is something wrong with the ABS Control Module?

• The brakes are more difficult to use than normal.
• The brakes do not work at all.
• The ABS warning light on the car's dashboard is on.
• The car's brake pedal is very firm.

When should you consider replacing the ABS Control Module?

It is rare that an ABS control module has to be replaced as it is an electric component that normally would not need servicing. In some cases, though, it can be that the module's electrical connectors have corroded or that the electrical wires might have been damaged.

Often its ancillaries are more likely to go faulty, like the ABS sensors which can malfunction when covered in debris or grease. Of course, if the ABS warning light is on, it is important to have your car inspected as soon as possible to prevent non-working brakes. Importantly, always follow the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer for brake maintenance.

What happens during an ABS Control Module replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the ABS system and control module.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the ABS control module.
• Mechanic will bleed the braking system and refill with fresh brake fluid.
• Mechanic will test drive and inspect the braking system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make any adjustments.

How much does an ABS Control Module Replacement cost?

The cost of an ABS control module replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your ABS Control Module replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!