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How To Use Abs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • How To Use Abs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This was posted as a reply in

    "NEW BRAKE BOOSTER?/ MASTER?"

    please read both threads!!!!!!!!!!

    I removed the intro I put on the other thread,






    The following is FROM A PAGE I HAVE ON ABS from the automotive safety council that was sent to many automotive shops and industries a few years back.

    TO NOTE: I was stating that IMO he was better with out it IF he going to all that work all ready.

    I WAS NOT TRY TO START A FIGHT OR A DEBATE!!!!!!!!

    Ones view on ABS IS THERE OWN VIEW and I RESPECT THAT!!!!!




    What you should know about...Anti-lock Braking Systems

    ABS ... What is it?

    ABS is an abbreviation for Anti-lock Braking System. It was designed to help the driver maintain some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking. Its intention was to help the driving ability of drivers because many individuals panic during a trying situation and end up “locking up” there brakes instead of driving out of a situation.

    ABS was introduced in the mid -1980s and has become "standard" equipment on the majority of vehicles sold in Canada and USA. ABS in cars and most Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPV’s) works on all four wheels. This promotes directional stability and allows steering while maximizing braking.
    The ABS in most pick-up trucks works only on the rear wheels, which promotes directional stability only. However, there are some available with ABS on all four wheels.

    Anti-lock Braking systems were developed to reduce skidding and maintain steering control when brakes are used in an emergency situation.
    However, cars with anti-lock brakes are up to 65% more likely to be in fatal crashes than cars without them, says a new US study. It appears that the problem isn't with the technology, it's poor driving habits and lack of driver awareness on how the brakes operate. Driver who rely on technology instead of better driving habits to improve safety are driving down a dangerous road. It is a FACT that most people do not know HOW to use ABS which HAS proved fatal.

    ABS is dangerous for people who DO NOT know how to use ABS properly. Remember ABS is NOT found on most Professional race cars of all types and
    is found as an OPTION on many “High End” performance vehicles because the majority of all professional drivers depend on GOOD driving skills to drive the vehicle in bad situations which when practiced is the safest and is lacking among many. It is noted that when many professional race cars are built from a "stock" vehicle the Anti-lock brake systems are removed because the
    majority of the professional drivers prefer to depend on there carefully developed top skills, rather then on a electronic "helper" which can fail in a critical situation.

    Since much of the problem stems from lack of awareness of how to use the brakes, education is needed. Here are Automotive Safety Councils tips on operating ABS-equipped cars:

    In an emergency situation, apply your brakes hard and stay on them. The more pedal chatter the better.

    Don't pump your brakes. Pumping is for standard brakes. It completely robs ABS brakes of their effectiveness.

    Remember that ABS brakes do not help you stop quicker under most conditions. They do help you maintain steering control during braking so you can veer around obstacles.

    The general rule of thumb is that if you have to avoid an obstacle, veer to the right. This way, you avoid oncoming traffic.

    Don't become an over-confident driver because you have ABS. Drive prudently as you always should.

    Anti-lock brakes are designed to keep cars from going into a skid when the brakes are applied in an emergency. Designed to allow the driver steering control, ABS brakes work by automatically actuating the brakes on and off during emergency stops. They are effective in helping drivers avoid accidents. In certain situations, ABS brakes can help to shorten stopping distances.

    Control under heavy braking ABS allows you to maintain control of the vehicle. Since four-wheel ABS prevents all wheels from skidding, it allows you to steer the vehicle and still maintain braking.


    How does it work?
    ABS uses wheel speed sensors to determine if one or more wheels are trying to lock up during braking. If a wheel tries to lock up, a series of hydraulic valves limit or reduce the braking on that wheel. This prevents skidding and allows you to maintain steering control


    How do I use ABS?
    Apply steady and constant pressure - do not take your foot off the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped and do not pump the brake.


    What is that noise and vibration?
    This is normal and indicates that the ABS is active. Various ABS sound or feel differently. Some of the effects, for example are:
    a groaning noise
    a rapid pulsing of the brake pedal
    a periodic dropping of the brake pedal
    a hard (non compliant) brake pedal
    a light that turns on to say "low traction".
    You should familiarize yourself with how your system functions by first reading the "Owner’s Manual" and then testing your ABS in an empty parking lot under various climatic conditions i.e. dry, wet, snow and ice.
    Brake pedal will pulsate As the ABS engages, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating. This is caused by the system applying and releasing pressure to the brakes.
    The noise associated with ABS when it is functioning should not be confused with brake squeal. If your brakes squeal under normal braking, this may mean the brake pads are worn and need replacing. A pulsing brake pedal every time you apply the brakes may mean warped brake rotors and/or seized brake calipers that require servicing.


    Is the stopping distance shorter with ABS?
    NO! From early commercials, it may have looked like you could stop on a dime. That instantaneous stop is NOT REALISTIC! When braking on dry or wet roads your stopping distance will be about the same as with conventional brakes.
    You should allow for a longer stopping distance with ABS than for conventional brakes when driving on gravel, slush, and snow. This is because the rotating tire will stay on top of this low traction road surface covering, and effectively "float" on this boundary layer.
    A non ABS braked vehicle can lock its tires and create a snow plow effect in front of the tires which helps slow the vehicle. These locked tires can often find more traction below this boundary layer.


    ABS warnings!
    My ABS light comes on. What should I do?
    When you start your vehicle an ABS indicator light will illuminate on the instrument panel for a few seconds. This is normal.
    My ABS light stays on. What should I do?
    This means the ABS is not working. However, the conventional braking system is working. We recommend that you take your vehicle to your nearest dealer for servicing as soon as possible.
    My ABS light and my brake warning light both stay on. What should I do?
    DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE! You have no brakes. Have it towed to your nearest dealer.



    Road surfaces and ABS
    Road hazards that will cause the ABS to function unexpectedly are gravel, sand, ice, snow, mud, railway tracks, potholes, manhole covers, and even road markings when it is raining. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions or bad judgment. It is still the driver’s responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds for weather and traffic conditions. Always leave a margin of safety.
    Last edited by HayesPerformance; 09-25-2006, 07:38 PM.
    1991 Grand Prix STE
    3.4 DOHC
    1 of 792 Produced
    Extensive Mods Done

    1991 Lumina Z34
    3.4 DOHC
    Getrag 284 5spd
    1 of 30
    Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

    1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

    sigpic

  • #2
    How to use ABS? I used my fingers to unplug the ABS module from the brake master... the ABS in the Jbodies is junk. Mine almost shot me out into traffic when I was slowing down to stop at the bottom of a hill.. it would just randomly engage all the time.


    ABS is for peple who don't know how to use standard brakes
    Past Builds;
    1991 Z24, 3500/5 Spd. 275WHP/259WTQ 13.07@108 MPH
    1989 Camaro RS, ITB-3500/700R4. 263WHP/263WTQ 13.52@99.2 MPH
    Current Project;
    1972 Nova 12.73@105.7 MPH

    Comment


    • #3
      I agree,

      IF you can't drive a car with NO ABS, then your not a very good driver.

      It makes you a very SKILLED driver if you can drive any vehicle WITHOUT driving aids.
      1991 Grand Prix STE
      3.4 DOHC
      1 of 792 Produced
      Extensive Mods Done

      1991 Lumina Z34
      3.4 DOHC
      Getrag 284 5spd
      1 of 30
      Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

      1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

      sigpic

      Comment


      • #4
        I spend 5 months every year driving in ice and snow. I can say that ABS has nearly got me killed on a few occasions because it wouldn't let me stop soon enough (black ice makes fools of even the most carefull drivers). Some situations just need you to stop as soon as possible rather than veer around something and the older ABS systems are just incapable of determining the difference (new ones disable themselves above/below certain speeds). I'm tempted to try and disable it for a bit when the snow hits and see how it goes.

        Some GM cars starting in 05 have the option of non-ABS.
        1995 Grand Am SE

        Comment


        • #5
          oh man, i hate black ice.... i've nearly totaled my 91 cavy before. go to slow down and it turns sideways... that's why i bought a winter beater this year.. hehe
          Past Builds;
          1991 Z24, 3500/5 Spd. 275WHP/259WTQ 13.07@108 MPH
          1989 Camaro RS, ITB-3500/700R4. 263WHP/263WTQ 13.52@99.2 MPH
          Current Project;
          1972 Nova 12.73@105.7 MPH

          Comment


          • #6
            Thats why I removed the POWERMASTER III ABS system from my 91 STE.

            It was the junkiest ABS system I've seen.


            Thats MY OPINION THOUGH!

            Regards,
            Dave
            1991 Grand Prix STE
            3.4 DOHC
            1 of 792 Produced
            Extensive Mods Done

            1991 Lumina Z34
            3.4 DOHC
            Getrag 284 5spd
            1 of 30
            Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

            1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

            sigpic

            Comment


            • #7
              I've seen both sides of ABS, the good and bad. I went for a ride in a 97 (?) BMW 3 series with ABS, big brakes and tires to match. The driver demonstrated what happens when he stands on the brakes. I have never to this day felt that type of deceleration. If I wasn't wearing my seatbelt, there would have been some real trouble, the car stopped, and I mean like right fricken now. The ABS did kick in, and did an incredible job of modulating the brakes just right to get the car to a stop. Made it so the driver didn't even have to try. This is where ABS is good. Conditions were ideal for it to shorten a "panic stop" in a straight line.

              Meanwhile older ABS systems didn't have the reaction capabilities that a fine tuned modern ABS system does. Imagine a system that deals with each tire individually, if one tire hits a somewhat slick spot, it reacts, while the other 3 are uneffected. This is something NO driver, no matter how skilled can do, they only have one pedal! This is important to understand.

              My Fiero relies on weight transfer to achieve maximum braking. What if I am in a situation where the roads surface is a little slick, and every time I use the brakes, the front wheels lock up. I'm not going to get any weight transfer. It would be nice if my rear wheels would help out more then they are proportioned to do from the factory, I have a lot of weight on them. ABS can ease off the front brakes and allow the rears to do work where they wouldn't normally. Individual wheel control again is something a driver cannot do. Not that I plan on adding ABS to my Fiero. But, think about how it could help.

              Tractor trailers wouldn't jack Knife if the rear trailer wheels didn't lock up. Right?

              ABS has come a long way from those systems you might have on your grand am, or your truck for that matter. Those systems didn't have the prosessor speeds, the mechanical reaction speeds, or the wheel sensors that a modern ABS system has. Personally, I'd much rather have it if I bought a new car then not. But on a 91 Grand prix? No thanks, I'm better then the ABS on that car.

              Hey, good write up tho! Couldn't agree more, (except for the over generalization of ABS's reactions. and I wonder if that 65% more likley to be in a fatal accident with ABS is true, sounds like a BS statistic to me.)

              Comment


              • #8
                You can install a adjustible proportional valve in your Fiero to change the front and rear brake balancing. And they do work good. You have to SLOWLY change it though. until you get the "Perfect spot" in the brake balancing.
                1991 Grand Prix STE
                3.4 DOHC
                1 of 792 Produced
                Extensive Mods Done

                1991 Lumina Z34
                3.4 DOHC
                Getrag 284 5spd
                1 of 30
                Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

                1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

                sigpic

                Comment


                • #9
                  One thing to is driving with ABS where you have a warm dry climate as apposed to a snowy cold climate makes A BIG DIFFERANCE!
                  1991 Grand Prix STE
                  3.4 DOHC
                  1 of 792 Produced
                  Extensive Mods Done

                  1991 Lumina Z34
                  3.4 DOHC
                  Getrag 284 5spd
                  1 of 30
                  Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

                  1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

                  sigpic

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    That by the way isn't "why" trucks jack knife. There are many different reasons and circumstances as to why a truck does.
                    1991 Grand Prix STE
                    3.4 DOHC
                    1 of 792 Produced
                    Extensive Mods Done

                    1991 Lumina Z34
                    3.4 DOHC
                    Getrag 284 5spd
                    1 of 30
                    Canadian Z34 Models Made with the Getrag 5spd Wahoooo!

                    1980 GMC Sierra Classic C25 With 18,000 ORIGINAL MILES!!!!

                    sigpic

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      ABS is a mixed blessing at best and curse at worst IMO. I learned how to drive on a car with ABS so when driving a car without its I have to remember.

                      Story time: I was driving on a snowy side street in a car w/no abs. Some idiot lady starts crossing the street in the middle w/out checking traffic first. Me, being in a now panic situation, slam on the brakes to stop the car from hitting her and I turn the wheel to try and avoid her. The last thought on my mind was to pump the brakes. As it was I missed knocking her on her ass by inches and OF COURSE she's pissed at me for nearly hitting her...

                      Anywho w/ABS I could have tried to swerve to avoid her since I didn't think to lift my foot and pump. At the sametime an expert in that situation might have been able to do the same w/out it. Who's to say what would have happened w/ABS or w/an expert driving...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        i would have hit her.... it's her fault for not looking first
                        Past Builds;
                        1991 Z24, 3500/5 Spd. 275WHP/259WTQ 13.07@108 MPH
                        1989 Camaro RS, ITB-3500/700R4. 263WHP/263WTQ 13.52@99.2 MPH
                        Current Project;
                        1972 Nova 12.73@105.7 MPH

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I DO see a reason for abs..... for the average driver. In case you havent noticed, most of us on here are not "average" drivers. Whe are automotive enthusiasts who, for the most part, understand how vehicles operate and how to avoid hazardous situations. (see post in other thread)

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I completely agree with that assesment. ABS works for people like me who are still novice drivers without the conditioning and learned reactions that comes from training.

                            Nother story, not quite as on topic though, I was in my old blazer on wet pavement. The tires spun with little power applied which wound up causing the entire backend to fishtail violently to one side. I turned into the slide which somehow caused the rear end to swing opposite the turn into another slide. I did the same thing which finally brought me to a standstill when the tires finally bit. It was my own "training" of purposely fishtailing in a turn on snowy roads that taught me to recover.

                            Moral of the story being sometimes even trained reactions don't always help enough when the going gets tough.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I definately agree.. the more experience the better. I will go into a parking lot and intentionally get the car to spin out and then correct it. (or on roads if no one is around.... lol) But when i am faced with a situation like that in real life i calmly pull out of it and continue down the road. Last winter i spun 3 complete circles while going down the highway, pulled it straight and kept on driving, freaking out and stopping would have probably prooved deadly. Yea, my heart was beating pretty fast, but i instinctively knew what to do and did it without freaking out. My ex gf did the same thing on a city street...pushed the pedal to the floor with her ABS brakes (directional stability is non-existant when you're spinning out) and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. Luckily no one was behind her, but it goes to show that if you are never in that situation you probably wont know what to do. Practice DOES make one a better driver and more capable of handling sticky situations.

                              Comment

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