ABS Pump, Module And Hydraulic Units Explained - Test And Remanufacturing Service

The ABS control unit is highly sophisticated and comprised of various components and it can be referred to by many different naming terms. I’m sure you’ll have heard all about ABS pumps, ABS motors, ABS modules and ABS hydraulic units, but do you know the difference between each of them?

In short, an ABS module, an ABS hydraulic unit, and an ABS motor come together to form the modern ABS unit – in the past cars were fitted with a component called an ABS pump, which is no longer commonplace in new vehicles. However, the term ‘ABS pump’ is still widely used today to refer to an ABS unit. Fortunately, we’ve created this page to explain how each component of the ABS unit works and to clear up any confusion.

Find Out More About ABS Pumps, Modules & Motors

If you believe your vehicle’s ABS unit is defective in any way, send it to us for testing and remanufacturing. We’ll restore functionality in just 2-3 working days and cover you with an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty. Either browse our product catalogue or head straight to our test form to get started. 

ABS Pump

Modern automotive ABS pumps are far more than just a simple pump, they are a highly complex and self-contained ABS control system that has been steadily condensed over the years into a single small unit. Back in the early days of ABS, the main components needed for the ABS (anti-lock braking system) to function would be distributed around the vehicle, with the pre-charge ABS pump located somewhere near the brake booster, the ABS hydraulic unit attached near the master cylinder and the ABS module located somewhere inside the passenger compartment (commonly under the seat or behind the kick trim).

This proved to be quite a cumbersome set-up with components for the same system placed in different areas of the vehicle also requiring a much larger wiring harness to connect them all. However, in order to save weight, space and make vehicles more efficient, modern ABS pumps are a combined system unit, often referred to as just the ABS pump but they comprise three main components:

ABS Module

The ABS module is the controller of the whole ABS system. It is the black box that is attached to the base of the ABS unit, it reads wheel speeds, vehicle acceleration, braking effort, brake fluid pressure, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and messages transmitted from the engine and gearbox systems.

The ABS module then calculates the exact amount of braking force required for each wheel during emergency braking conditions and controls each wheel by operating control solenoids within the ABS hydraulic block. The ABS module commonly fails and causes communication problems, internal control module fault codes or sometimes causes the ABS motor to run continually.

ABS Hydraulic Unit

The hydraulic unit controls the brake fluid pressure for each road wheel individually. When the ABS module activates one of the solenoids to shut off or advance pressure through a channel within the block, this action closes one pintle valve at a time within the hydraulic block to either prevent, lock on or allow applied pressure to each road wheel in turn. 

The hydraulic block contains the pump that is used to generate the pressure required to lock and release each wheel at high speed intervals. The majority of modern hydraulic units also contain a pressure sensor that is used to monitor the braking pressure applied by the driver. ABS hydraulic units also commonly fail and cause fluid leaks or pressure sensor failure.

ABS Motor

The ABS motor is attached on top of the hydraulic unit and is used to drive the pump within the hydraulic unit, the motor is only activated during emergency braking by the ABS module. If your ABS motor is running constantly then this indicates a fault with the ABS module being shorted out internally. The ABS motor commonly fails due to water ingress or from internal component breakdown.

How To Resolve Failure
If your ABS pump and module unit is in need of repair, then you can send it to us. We’re the experts at testing and remanufacturing a wide range of ABS units for most makes and models.

We utilise state-of-the-art testing rigs that’ll analyse your defective unit under realistic conditions. We’ll then rebuilt your ABS pump unit using higher-than-OEM-standard components. 

You won’t need to recode the unit afterwards, it’ll only take us 2-3 working days and we’ll cover you with a lifetime warranty – use this test form to begin the process.

Videos

Test and rebuild
When sending your ABS pump for test and rebuild it is best not to separate the unit, ensure you send the entire unit when possible as this will aid in the diagnostic process and ensure all faults are corrected. 

All ABS units are tested on our bespoke HIL (Hardware In-the-Loop) test rigs, we are able to run the ABS unit as if it were on the vehicle simulating all wheel speed and driving load conditions. Once confirmed as faulty we then rebuild your ABS unit with components that are higher rated than standard, then once fully rebuilt we re-test your unit to ensure it operates within manufacturer specifications.

Programming
Most modern ABS pumps are pre-coded at manufacturer level. During our test and rebuild process, all programming information is retained so the unit is ready to go once refitted to the vehicle.

Quality
We test and rebuild ABS pumps to franchise main dealers and specialist workshops all over the globe. Our stringent quality control standards ensure that our work defect rates are minimal, our current work defect rate is less than 2-3 working days so you can be assured of our very high standard of work.

Warranty:

Lifetime unlimited mileage*

How do I get my unit rebuilt?

To pay for the rebuild click the Shop Now link above, select your part number and click: Get yours rebuilt.

Print the payment/booking confirmation email.

Package the ABS pump and module inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material and make sure you include your confirmation email in the box.

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received we will test, rebuild and return your ABS pump with an unlimited mileage lifetime warranty. 

If your unit turns out not to be faulty then we will refund your payment less a small testing fee and return shipping.

What if I don’t want to pay up front?

This is not a problem, if you prefer this option then follow these steps:

Fill in and submit this test form.

Print the booking confirmation email.

Package the ABS unit inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material and make sure you include your confirmation email in the box.

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received, we will test your ABS unit and call to inform you of the outcome of testing. If your 
ABS unit is faulty and you choose to go ahead with the rebuild, then we will take payment over the phone using a debit/credit card.

We will then rebuild your ABS pump and module and return it to you with an unlimited mileage warranty.

If you require further information regarding this ABS pump and module then please contact us.