St. Louis Truck Driveshafts, Suspensions, Brakes 314-516-9466

New ways are being found to use the ABS computer each day. Anti-lock braking has evolved into even more acronyms. We have the Bendix “ESP” and “RSP” (Electronic Stability Program and Roll Stability Program). There is a Haldex “TRS” and Meritor/WABCO “RSS” (Trailer Roll Stability and Roll Stability Support).

This computer is a good thing. The foot pedal still performs its usual job in feeding air pressure to the service brakes, but the computer (electronic control unit) monitors the situation by measuring the speed of the wheels. When there are differences between the speed of the wheels, the computer springs into action to adjust or modulate the way that air pressure is fed to the service brakes.

The essential components of an ABS or stability system are wheel sensors, modulator valves, and an electronic control unit (the computer). You could demonstrate a crude ABS system with as little as one wheel sensor, one modulator valve, and one ECU. However the most basic system that has practical use requires two wheel speed sensors, one modulator valve, and one ECU. This basic system is abbreviated “2S/1M”. In order to control more wheels and monitor additional functions such as traction and stability, these systems have added more modulator valves, sensors, and program logic, but the ECU remains essentially the same. A trailer ECU can also communicate with the tractor. In a couple more years your ECU will have its own Facebook page.

At Plaza Fleet Parts we carry the modulator valves and wheel speed sensors to support Truck, Tractor, and Trailer ABS and stability systems. We also carry the most popular ECU’s for trailer ABS.