ABS Pump
Many modern vehicles come with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) that is designed to prevent wheels from locking up and skidding with braking. The hi-tech system is supposed to improve braking performance and minimize stopping distances. That sounds great, but is it reliable? By making braking more complicated, additional points of failure have been introduced to what was once a simple system with the driver in complete control.
Earlier this year, I was driving a Hyundai Elantra GT down an Interstate highway exit ramp when the brakes failed. Depressing the brake pedal to stop the car was not working and I was rapidly approaching the end of the ramp. Fortunately, the car was a stick-shift so I was able to slow the car down by downshifting. Pumping the brakes also helped me stop just before the stop sign at a cross-street.
Upon inspection, I learned that the ABS pump was leaking brake fluid and needed to be replaced. I understand this is a rare type of failure, but it did happen to affect me. The replacement ABS pump was quite expensive; however, I was able to locate a used part which definitely helped reduce the cost.
Sometimes I miss my old ’64 Ford Falcon no power steering and no power brakes. Under the hood, there was a lot of space and things were easy to access and work on.