ABS repair & replacement made easy

The ABS, or anti-lock braking system, on your car is a super important system that prevents your wheels from locking up and therefore simply skidding across the road surface. 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 that fail, which means the system will not receive the information it requires to activate the system.

• Depending on the specific job - an ABS repair may include all or some of the following steps
• Mechanic will diagnostically inspect the ABS system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the faulty ABS sensor and re-test the component.
• If the ABS module is at fault, the mechanic will advise on the best course of action in order to have it repaired.
• Mechanic will test drive and inspect the braking system.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an abs repair is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• The car's ABS warning light stays on permanently once the engine is started.
• The brakes lock up very easily when braking on slippery surfaces.
• The brakes do not respond as well as normal under hard braking

The time an abs repair will take will depend on the type of repair needed and a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

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.

At least one of the ABS sensors is likely to fail at some point during a vehicles lifetime so its a common repair for mechanics to carry out across all manufacturers. ABS modules, as explained, do not fail that frequently thankfully but faults can occur of course.

The ABS, or anti-lock braking system, on your car is a super important system that prevents your wheels from locking up and therefore simply skidding across the road surface. 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 that fail, which means the system will not receive the information it requires to activate the system.

You will only know for sure if, and indeed which, ABS sensor requires replacement after a diagnostic investigation has taken place. Therefore we advise in all circumstances that this is carried out prior to booking the replacement of any components.

Cost for an ABS sensor replacement is on average £100, with prices ranging from £65 to £140. Ultimately, the cost 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 sensor replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car below!

If your ABS light comes on it is possible your car is not safe to drive, it signifies a problem with the anti-lock braking system. It is advisable to find assistance from a professional mechanic before you undertake a journey. A mechanic can diagnose the issue and provide an indication on any repairs required.

Typical symptoms that would point to an issue with the ABS and would require an ABS diagnostic:

• The car's ABS warning light stays on permanently once the engine is started
• The brakes lock up very easily when braking on slippery surfaces
• The brakes do not respond as well as normal under hard braking

An ABS wheel speed sensor monitors the rotational speed of a wheel and sends a signal to the ABS control module. The ABS control module uses this signal to determine if a wheel is locking up and if the ABS system needs to be activated.

Since ABS sensors are located near the wheels and so close to the road surface, they are constantly exposed to the elements, such as heat, dirt and moisture making it sensitive to quicker wear and tear and damage.

An ABS wheel speed sensor may need replacing anywhere between 30,000-50,000 miles. This is due to the sensitive location of the ABS sensor that can make it prone to wear and tear.

A bad ABS wheel speed sensor will often cause the ABS dashboard warning light to come on. Other symptoms may include a loss of traction control, and the vehicle may take longer to stop. It is recommended to get it checked and fixed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

While you technically can drive, we recommend that you should NOT drive with a broken ABS wheel speed sensor. While the brakes will still be functional, the electrical components of the ABS system will not function properly. These can be critical in certain conditions such as icy roads. If the ABS light comes on while driving, it is generally ok to continue driving at safe speeds in favourable conditions, but we recommend getting it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible before you drive the car again.

Yes, if the ABS light is permanently on, it will result in an MOT failure. The rules state that the car will fail if the ABS light does not follow the correct sequence of operation and indicates an ABS fault.

Cost to fix an ABS pump replacement can range between £300 - £1000, depending on the severity of the issue and the parts required.