ABS is – Sinaumed’s do you know what abs is in a motorized vehicle? Abs is a braking in cars and motorcycles. On this occasion, we will discuss more about ABS in full. So, keep reading this article until it’s finished, Sinaumed’s.
Definition of ABS
ABS or commonly known as the Anti-lock Brake System is a hydraulically controlled braking system. This system uses an actuator computer unit that is useful for controlling hydraulic pressure that goes to the disc brake caliper.
Some motorbikes are equipped with an ABS braking system or commonly called the Anti-lock Brake System. This system is used in motorized vehicles to support the security and safety of passengers in cars and motorbikes. This system functions when the brakes suddenly (panic brake) on a slippery road, thereby preventing the wheels from locking or losing control.
ABS function
This ABS functions to prevent the brakes from locking (locking) during sudden braking which will potentially cause the wheels to slip (slip) or when the road is wet or slippery, the motorbike tires will not stall.
This braking technology will be very useful when driving in rainy conditions or slippery roads. Therefore, when you have a motorbike or car, you should immediately check the condition of the ABS, whether it is in good condition or not so you can drive safer.
Application of ABS
When using ABS in motorized vehicles, you are not advised to pump the brakes during an emergency. This action will confuse the sensor and make its performance less effective. Likewise, when the brake lever is pressed slowly or brakes smoothly, the sensor will read that there is no risk of locked tires.
The ABS system will work when there is an attempt to stop from high speed by pressing the brake lever as hard as possible. So, the sensor will read that at that time safety is also needed for the vehicle’s wheels. The emergency signal that is read and sent will be directly translated to the caliper clamp.
How ABS Brakes Work
The ABS system in a motorized vehicle will be equipped with several components that affect how it works. Sensors on ABS can help detect when the wheels lock.
Then, the modulator will automatically receive the signal when it happens. If that happens, the result is that the brake piston in the motor will relieve the pressure on the brake fluid from the caliper. The brake piston pressure will return to normal when the lock on the motor wheel is reduced.
An increase in brake fluid will occur around 15-50 times per second which is influenced by the ABS feature. Therefore, when the motorcycle brakes suddenly, the wheels will not lock. ABS automatically makes the piston release pressure to a normal point, then presses the piston on the wheel until the wheel speed decreases and it can stop.
The process from the normal point to locking/braking is very fast. Finally, the motorcycle will be easier to control and the distance between braking will be more effective, thereby reducing the risk of an accident.
ABS System Components
Of course this system can work because there are several supporting components. The following are components of the abs system:
1. Master Cylinder
This first component functions as a converter of the mechanical movement of the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. When the master cylinder works, the piston will push the brake fluid. The pressurized brake fluid will then be channeled to the ABS pump.
2.ABS Hydraulic Control Valve
There are three valves that will manipulate hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders. The three valves, namely:
- Valve one is fully open to maximize brake fluid pressure which is directly connected to the brakes.
- The second valve has a function to prevent brake fluid pressure from continuing to the brakes.
- The third valve functions to block some of the pressure from the brake fluid so that only half is passed on to the vehicle’s brakes. This feature also has a pump to restore the existing pressure in the braking line so that it can be delivered to the brake valve.
3. ABS Pump or ABS Pump
This ABS pump has a function to restore hydraulic pressure in the wheel cylinder after the hydraulic pressure drops due to the opening of the ABS valve. The mechanism is when the wheels are locked, the hydraulic pressure on the wheels will be reduced until the wheels turn again. When the wheel has successfully turned again, the ABS pump will quickly restore hydraulic pressure.
4. ABS Control Module
ABS Control Module is a device that processes all sensors to control the work of the ABS brake system by adjusting the work of each solenoid in the hydraulic unit. In addition, the ABS Control Module function is also divided into several parts, including:
a. Self Diagnostics Function
The self diagnosis function is a function to diagnose brake systems and components under various conditions and the results will be informed in the DTC by turning on the ABS warning light.
b. Waveforming Circuit
This waveforming circuit has this function to change the output signal from a wheel sensor in the form of a sine wave (analog) whose frequency changes based on changes in wheel speed into a pulse signal (digital), so that it can be processed by a microcomputer.
c. Microcomputer Units (MCU)
This function detects wheel speed, acceleration or deceleration of wheel speed and vehicle speed according to the digital signal sent from the waveforming circuit, so that vehicle slip conditions can be detected at any time.
When the deceleration speed of the wheels drops drastically below the set speed, the MCU determines the high slip number and sends a signal to hold or reduce brake pressure. And vice versa when the acceleration of the wheel speed increases to the specified limit, the MCU also determines the low slip rate to send a signal to increase brake pressure.
d. Control Solenoid Circuit
The solenoid control circuit is the function of using a power transistor and controlling the current flowing to the solenoid valve in the hydraulic unit.
e. Fail-safe circuit
The fail safe circuit is a function to monitor the work of the sensor, solenoid and ABS control module. If any unit or system malfunctions the circuit will stop all solenoids and motors working, and the brake system will function conventionally, the ABS warning light on the instrument panel will also come on.
5. Speed Sensor
This sensor is installed on the front and rear wheels. This sensor will read the rotational speed of the front and rear wheels together and the data will be sent directly to the ABS module.
6. Wheel Cylinders
This component functions to change the hydraulic pressure on the brake fluid and becomes a mechanical movement that pushes the brake lining to clamp the disc.
7. Hydraulic Brake Channels
This component has a function as a path for the flow of brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinder. You need to remember that Sinaumed’s ABS doesn’t make the brakes more grippy, but it’s a system that works to make the wheels spin unlocked.
8.ABS indicator
Motorcycles equipped with the ABS feature will have a light indicator on the speedometer panel that will indicate the condition of the motorcycle’s ABS system. This indicator works in conditions such as the indicator lights up or starts flashing while driving, the indicator does not light up when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, and the indicator does not turn off at speeds above 10 km/h, so there may be a problem with the ABS system.
9. Brake Booster
This component functions as a component that helps to relieve the driver’s burden when applying the brakes by utilizing the vacuum from the engine when the engine is running or using fluid hydraulic pressure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the ABS System
Of course, all technologies have advantages and disadvantages. So that you don’t choose the wrong one, here are the advantages and disadvantages of this ABS system.
Advantages of ABS Brakes
- This ABS braking system will be faster than the non-ABS brake system.
- ABS is different from non-ABS because when you brake suddenly, the vehicle you are driving will be more stable.
- You can use this vehicle that has an ABS system safely even though the road is slippery or even sandy.
- This system will help you when braking suddenly even though you are driving at high speed. That way, it will be safe and keep your wheels from locking.
- The condition of the vehicle during sudden braking will remain stable.
- ABS brakes can reduce the risk of an accident.
Disadvantages of ABS Brakes
- This brake can cause the risk of an accident if you brake suddenly at a close distance.
- Accidents due to braking in close proximity occur because the ABS sensor does not have enough time to send a signal to the modulator, so the vehicle will crash before the sensor kicks in.
- This system will also cause centrifugal force and will be inadequate if used on uneven or gravel roads.
- If the ABS sensor is exposed to water, it will reduce its performance and not be optimal.
- This ABS system is also not optimal when used on a trail bike, this is because this motorbike requires faster braking to get through steep terrain.
- ABS brakes will make a humming sound when wet and over uneven travel terrain.
Various Kinds of ABS Brake Problems
This ABS brake system can experience interference or damage if it is not cared for properly. Here are the disturbances that can occur in this ABS system
- The rotor on the speed sensor is bent or dirty.
- Faulty speed sensor.
- Lack of brake fluid condition.
- Blocked lines or brake fluid pipes or even leaks.
- There is a problem with the ABS hydraulic unit that will not perform optimally.
ABS Brake Maintenance
There are several ways to maintain ABS brakes that you can do regularly to avoid distractions and damage.
- Carry out routine checks and cleaning. The parts that are cleaned are the discs and the speed sensor which indicate dirt.
- Change brake oil periodically. It is intended that the ABS brakes will last longer and not suffer damage.
- Clean sensors. You also need to be careful when cleaning the sensor on the caliper. You can use a cleaning spray that is sold at automotive stores. You can clean the sensor every two months.
- Do not modify the wheelset. This will cause interference and damage to the ABS system
- Don’t let the motorbike fall. when the motor falls then damage can occur to the ABS system. In fact, it will be fatal and irreparable and must be replaced.
- Don’t let your vehicle’s tires go bald, this will cause the tires to lose traction making it difficult to control the vehicle’s speed.
- Don’t hit the brakes too often. If you step on the brakes too often, the car’s brakes will lose their durability until they wear out prematurely.
Indicators Showing the ABS System Has Failed
If your ABS system has started to malfunction, here are some indicators that will show it is happening.
1. Through the light on the speedometer
The way to detect interference with ABS brakes is to look at the light on the speedometer. If the ABS sign lights up, then there is no interference, but if the ABS sign doesn’t light up, then there is a problem with your vehicle’s ABS system
2. Through the sensors in the ABS brakes
This sensor has been designed from the manufacturer of your vehicle. If any component or ABS brake system is disturbed, this sensor will work automatically. Therefore, maintenance of ABS brakes is very important to do
- Through the workings of braking
Furthermore, you can detect the ABS system starting to have problems when you brake, if you brake and feel it bounce, then this indicates that the ABS brakes are not working properly.
The difference between ABS and Non-ABS
There are several differences between ABS and non-ABS brakes in car safety features. Here are the differences.
1. How it works
On vehicles with ABS brakes, when Sinaumed’s brakes suddenly and hard, the wheels will not lock. The speed sensor installed on the wheel will detect locking and the sensor will send a signal to the ECM (Electronic Control Module).
This ECM will instruct the braking valve not to transmit hydraulic pressure to the brake system, so the wheels will spin again. If the wheels rotate, the speed sensor and ECM will reopen the braking valve and hydraulic pressure will be transmitted back to the brake system.
Then on non-ABS vehicles when Sinaumed’s applies the brakes suddenly and hard, it will cause the wheels to lock and cause the vehicle to be difficult to control and a slip will occur on the car’s wheels. To prevent wheel locking on non-ABS vehicles, you can repeatedly press and release the brake pedal and try not to hit the brakes too hard.
2. Differences in Brake Components
ABS brakes have more components than non-ABS brakes. ABS brake components consist of an ECM, brake valve speed sensor, and also a pump. Meanwhile, non-BAS brake components only consist of brake pads.
3. Vehicle Performance
Machines that use ABS and non-ABS brakes are actually the same, but the performance shown is different. Cars with ABS brakes can avoid braking better when compared to non-ABS brakes.
From the discussion above, it can be said that ABS is a brake that exists on motorcycles and cars that can protect the driver when braking suddenly. So, that’s Sinaumed’s’ explanation of ABS. Now Sinaumed’s understands more about the braking system in your vehicle and takes good care of it.
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Author: Christin Devina