Do Rally, Track, Drift and Race Cars Use Anti Lock Brake Systems (ABS)? – obp Tech Session
Hello Race Drivers all over the world.
Ok interesting situation has come up that I feel it is necessary to cover.
I have had an issue with a client that has a Drift car that is using a Hydraulic handbrake. The idea of the Hydraulic handbrake is so the driver can snap the back end and create a controllable drift.
He had a problem and could not lock the rear wheels. We asked him has he removed any valves or compensator systems that may be in the system? Has he looked at the brake schematics to make sure there were not systems preventing the cars wheels not to lock up? He told us he had removed all these systems and fitted new pipe work through out the car.
Ok at this point we were scratching our heads!! One of our technicians asked me has he removed the ABS, I could not remember asking a direct question on that, however we had discussed removing all systems that would prevent the wheels from locking.
So I asked him “Have you removed the ABS from the car”?
I am sure you can guess what he said “No he is still running the ABS”.
Ok now we have the solution to the problem.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) is a fantastic development that was designed as most of the good safety systems in F1. However on Race Cars, Rally Cars, Drifting or Track Day Cars it is no good unless you have a very expensive system that has a very high pulse rate.
How can you disconnect the ABS?
Anti-lock brake systems save lives and should be maintained. However, Motorsport drivers often want to disable the system. For example, Rally competitions, Drifting events and sports driving are not suited to ABS controls. Skids and hard braking are overridden by ABS. This causes the brakes to pulse on and off and prevents the brakes from locking. Locking the brakes is the goal for most sports and competition driving events.
Here are three ways to disconnect the ABS:
- Raise the bonnet of the car and open fuse box that contains the fuses and relays. Locate the ABS fuse and remove it. This will disable the anti-lock brakes without damaging any components. The brakes will function normally, but the anti-lock controls won’t.
- Remove the main wiring connector that plugs into the anti-lock brake module. This module is located next to the brake master cylinder. Steel lines go from the master cylinder and are routed into the module. By disconnecting the wiring connector, you are disabling all the anti-lock brake functions.
- Raise the car with a jack and place jack stands under the frame. Disconnect the anti-lock brake sensor on each wheel. This interrupts the sensor signal to the anti-lock brake system and effectively disables it.
This information is for race drivers and not to be used on the general high ways.
Please make sure that any modifications of this type are carried out by professional race preparation companies.
I hope this has been of interest to you.
Thank you for your time, all of us at obp Ltd look forward hearing from you soon.
Regards
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