ABS Diagnostics and Repairs in Tyne and Wear

ABS stands for anti-lock braking system. It watches the speed of each wheel and, in a hard stop, releases and reapplies brake pressure very quickly so a wheel does not lock and you can keep steering. Traction and stability systems often share the same sensors and control unit.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we diagnose and repair ABS faults for drivers in Tyne and Wear. A dashboard light is only a symptom, so the job is finding the actual cause rather than swapping parts and hoping.

What the warning lights are telling you

An amber ABS light usually means the system has found a fault and has switched itself off. The ordinary brakes will generally still work, but you will not have the anti-lock safety net, and that matters on wet or icy roads.

If the ABS light appears together with the red brake warning light, or the pedal feels low, spongy or unusual, do not carry on driving. Have it checked straight away. Traction control or stability warning lights alongside ABS often point to the same fault.

How the fault is traced

We connect diagnostic equipment to read stored fault codes and look at live wheel speed data. A code points us to an area, not always to a part, so we follow it with physical checks.

Common causes include a dirty or failing wheel speed sensor, a damaged sensor wire, a cracked or rusty tone ring on the hub or driveshaft, low brake fluid, a worn wheel bearing letting the sensor reading wander, and a fault in the pump or control module. Looking at each in turn avoids unnecessary spending.

• Wheel speed sensors and their wiring
• Tone rings or reluctor rings
• Wheel bearings and hub condition
• Brake fluid level and condition
• Hydraulic unit or control module

What affects the outcome and the cost

A sensor that needs cleaning or a connector that needs securing is a very different job from a failed hydraulic unit, so cost swings widely. Access matters too, as seized sensors and corroded fixings near the wheel can take time to free.

Control module faults can need specialist handling, and whether a repair is possible depends on inspection. We explain the findings and options before work starts.

What to expect and how to prepare

Tell us when the light comes on, whether it is constant or intermittent, and what happened beforehand, such as wheel work or a battery change.

After repair, the fault codes are cleared and the system rechecked.