How ABS Brakes Work, Advantages and Disadvantages

Knowing How ABS Brakes Work, Advantages and Disadvantages

ABS Brakes Work, Advantages and Disadvantages, – The average traffic accident occurs due to negligence committed by the rider. One of them is failing to check the condition of the brakes. So the brakes become slow and the speed of the vehicle is difficult to control or stop. As a result the vehicle lost control or was unstable and eventually a traffic accident occurred.

From the above cases it can be concluded that the function of the brakes as components that play a role in slowing down and or stopping the speed of the vehicle is important. There is gas or acceleration then there must be a brake (brake system) to control it.

Related to this, some automotive companies began producing vehicles with increasingly sophisticated and capable safety systems. Especially on the brake system. The aim is to minimize the occurrence of things that endanger the safety of riders and passengers.

Therefore, vehicles produced now both cars and motorcycles are equipped with abs (Anti-lock Breaking System) technology brake systems.

What is ABS Brakes ?

ABS Brake or Anti-lock Breaking System is one of the complex and advanced safety features. Long before use on cars and motorcycles ABS brakes had been used on aircraft.

This technology is considered safer and can work better. Especially when braking suddenly or on slippery roads. Well, how does it work until it’s claimed to be better? So on this occasion the author will share about how the ABS brakes work and treatment.

Before discussing how it works, it is good to know in advance what components are on the ABS brakes. This is to facilitate the explanation to be conveyed.

ABS Brake Components

The ABS brakes consist of several complex and sophisticated components. These components work together to create systems to maintain the safety of riders and passengers. Here are some ABS brake components?

Cylinder Master

Simply put the master cylinder serves to convert mechanical motion from the stepped brake pedal into hydraulic pressure (brake oil). Inside is a piston that plays a role in pushing the brake oil.

Cylinder Wheels

This one component blends in with the master cylinder. Both are connected using connecting pipes. While the cylinder functions the wheel to drive or press the brake shoe.

ABS Hydraulic Control Valve

This one component is a component that serves to regulate hydraulic pressure (brake oil) from the master cylinder to the cylinder wheel. It can also be said to be the entrance of brake oil.

These hydraulic valves are arranged in three positions, among which:

  • Position one, in this position the valve opens perfectly so that the pressurized brake oil can flow from the master cylinder to the cylinder wheel.
  • Position two, in this position the valve is closed which means the brake oil cannot flow into the wheel cylinder.
  • Position three, at this position the valve opening is adjusted to the brake oil pressure and braking load. Thus, the valve will block some of the brake oil pressure. Even though the brake pedals are fully stepped on.

ABS Pump

ABS pump or ABS pump is a component that serves to restore brake oil pressure on the braking line after the valve opens.

ABS Control Module

The function of this component is very important as a regulatory unit. In addition, the ABS control module also serves to calculate the ideal pressure of brake oil on the wheel cylinder and receive information from the Speed Sensor.

Pressure Control Unit (Akuator)

This one component serves to regulate the brake oil pressure on each wheel according to the computer’s commands.

Speed Sensor

Speed sensor is a component that serves to read the speed of each wheel rotation. This component is placed on each wheel of the vehicle or it can also be placed on the differential (wheel).

Hydraulic Brake Channels

This one component is a channel or brake oil line from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinder. Thus, this component serves as a place where brake oil flows.

Wheel Cylinders

Wheel cylinder is a component that has the function of converting hydraulic pressure of brake oil into mechanical force. This force will push the brake pads to clamp the wheel disc so that the rotation becomes reduced or even stops. See Also : Main Components and How ABS Brake Works on Cars

How ABS Brakes Work

The way the ABS brakes work is adjusted to the computer’s instructions or settings. The speed sensor will capture and transmit the result of each wheel’s speed to the Control Module.

Once the controller gets the data. Then the data will be processed into an instruction to be given to hydraulic control valve. Furthermore Hydraulic Control Valve will respond to be in the position of one, two or three so that there is a decrease in speed or stop of the speed of the vehicle.

This process happens very quickly. It is as explained by suzuki company that ABS brakes only take 5 seconds to stop the speed of the vehicle at a normal speed of 100 Km / H. On normal braking, there is no locking of the wheels.

Whereas in sudden or sudden braking conditions, surely the wheels will be locked like a normal braking system. So the car becomes unstable or can even slip. This can be overcome by the ABS brake system.

When the wheel is about to lock, the speed sensor sends data to the controller and instructs the valve to block the pressure. Automatic position of the valve will be in the position of two or three according to the data received controller. After that the controller again gives instructions on the valve to be in position one. Until maximum braking occurs.

ABS Brake Treatment

To take care of the ABS brakes is actually not so complicated it just has to be routine or regular. ABS brake treatment needs to be done in a disciplined manner according to the specified periodic maintenance schedule. Here are some of the frequent treatments to treat ABS brakes:

Cleaning Sensors

Cleaning sensors especially speed sensors is important. This is because sand or dirt can interfere with the performance of the brakes and the function of the speed sensor itself.

To clean it you can tune up and tell the specifics about abs brake maintenance to the workshop. But if you want to clean it yourself at home you can use the spray liquid sold in automotive stores to clean it.

Replacing Brake Oil

Considering the way abs brakes work also rely on hydraulic pressure (brake oil) then the use of brake oil at any time needs to be replaced. The indicator is if the brake oil has changed color to blackish or if it has entered the turn time.

In addition you can also see the ABS brake indicator light which indicates that the ABS brake is problematic and requires maintenance.

The advantages of ABS brakes

There are several advantages to ABS brakes that make it superior to brake systems in general. The following are some of the advantages of ABS brakes:

Safer

ABS brakes are said to be safer because ABS brakes are more gripping. Apart from that, it works fast too.

More Advanced Technology

The new technology applied to the ABS brakes is considered more sophisticated. This is due to the computer-based way it works. So that it is effective and efficient.

More Stable

ABS brakes are said to be more stable because they are able to adjust the amount of brake fluid pressure. So, when braking suddenly without the car it remains stable or does not slip.

Disadvantages of ABS brakes

In addition to the advantages possessed by ABS brakes. It turns out that the ABS brakes still have drawbacks. Although these deficiencies are minimal. The following are the drawbacks of ABS brakes:

Not Maximum On Uneven Roads

With all the advantages of ABS brakes, it turns out that the ABS brakes cannot work optimally on uneven roads, such as gravel roads and potholes. Likewise, when driving on a flooded road, the ABS brakes become less gripping.