ABS wheel speed sensor failure: Braking system challenges under invisible threats

ABS sensor: the "eyes" of braking safety
As one of the core components of the ABS system, the importance of ABS wheel speed sensors is self-evident. They are usually installed near the wheel bearing or wheel hub, and monitor the rotation speed of the wheel in real time through non-contact or magnetic induction. These data are quickly transmitted to the ABS control unit, which determines whether intervention adjustment is needed based on the difference in wheel speed to prevent the wheel from locking due to excessive braking and maintain the stability and directional control ability of the vehicle. It can be said that ABS sensors are like the "eyes" of the braking system, providing indispensable perception information for safe braking.

Chain reaction behind the failure
Once the ABS wheel speed sensor fails, its impact goes far beyond the failure of the ABS function. A common consequence is that the brake pads cannot be reset normally. During normal braking, when the driver releases the brake pedal, the pressure in the brake system is released, and the brake pads should leave the brake disc and return to their initial position to prepare for the next braking. But if the sensor cannot accurately sense the wheel speed, the ABS system cannot determine when to reduce or completely release the braking force. This causes the brake system to continue to apply unnecessary braking force to the wheel, causing the brake pad to remain in contact with the brake disc for a long time.

The cost of excessive wear of brake pads
Maintaining the brake state for a long time will directly lead to excessive wear of the brake pads. As a consumable, the life of the brake pad is limited, and frequent friction will accelerate its wear process. Excessive wear will not only reduce the braking performance and increase the braking distance, but may also cause brake failure in an emergency, seriously threatening driving safety. In addition, frequent brake pad replacement will undoubtedly increase the maintenance cost of the owner, especially in the case of high-frequency use of brakes (such as congested traffic in cities), this cost increase is particularly significant.

Potential safety risks
In addition to direct economic losses, brake system abnormalities caused by ABS sensor failure may also cause more serious safety problems. For example, the brake disc overheats due to long-term friction, which may cause thermal decay and further weaken the braking performance. In extreme cases, overheating may even cause deformation or damage of the brake material, completely losing the braking ability. In addition, abnormal wear of the brake system may also cause problems such as abnormal noise and vibration, affecting the driving experience, distracting the driver's attention, and indirectly increasing the risk of accidents.

Preventive measures and response strategies
In order to avoid the chain reaction caused by ABS wheel speed sensor failure, car owners should regularly perform vehicle maintenance, especially pay attention to the inspection of the brake system and sensors. Once the ABS warning light is on, you should immediately go to a professional repair station for diagnosis and repair or replace the faulty sensor in time. At the same time, choosing high-quality brake pads and accessories, and following the manufacturer's recommended replacement cycle are also effective means to maintain the health of the brake system and extend its service life.