Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have a long history, evolving from early 20th-century applications on trains and aircraft to becoming standard safety equipment in passenger vehicles. Key developments included Chrysler and Bendix’s Sure Brake in 1971 and Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation ABS in 1978. By the mid-1990s, most new passenger vehicles had ABS, and since 2012, electronic stability control (which incorporates ABS) has been mandated in the US.
ABS addresses the problem of drivers locking up wheels during emergency braking. It uses sensors in each wheel hub (or the rear differential for some RWD) to monitor wheel speed and prevent locking by “pumping” the brakes. Beyond just stopping, ABS sensors are now crucial for other safety systems like electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and automated braking. Modern multi-directional sensors, like the Standard ALS684, monitor both wheel speed and direction, providing vital information to the ECU for proper safety system function.
Standard emphasizes the importance of using high-quality replacement ABS sensors that match OE performance. Their sensors feature superior magnetic materials for accurate voltage output, durable glass-reinforced resin housings, protective wire harness sleeves, and OE connectors for proper installation and watertight connections. When recommending ABS sensors, prioritize parts that guarantee original performance in all conditions to ensure customer safety.
ABS Basic Overview
