Is it possible to retrofit ABS (anti-lock braking system)?

Recently updated on January 2, 2023 at 06:44 am

As is well known, ABS is short for "Anti-lock braking system". The anti-lock braking system ensures more driving safety and at the same time reduces wear on the tire treads. The ABS was introduced into series production by Bosch in 1978, together with the automotive industry, and is used in a vehicle to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking. An ABS system has been mandatory in new cars since 2004. However, ABS may be missing on cars that were produced before 2004 and motorcycles that were built before 2017.

Retrofitting ABS - is that possible?

ABS can theoretically be retrofitted. Regardless of whether it's a motorcycle or a car, retrofitting should to be possible. However, whether it makes economic sense to retrofit an anti-lock braking system depends, among other things, on the age of the vehicle and the service life of the vehicle. In general, ABS is an important safety aspect in vehicles and the anti-lock braking system can even save lives. It is therefore not surprising that ABS is standard equipment in modern vehicles. If you want to retrofit ABS, you should have the time and have the subsequent installation carried out by a specialist workshop. For example, an HA differential (control unit), tire sensors and an ABS pump must be retrofitted. Furthermore, further modifications to the vehicle may be necessary. As a rule, the parts to be installed are very limited.

Installation of the anti-lock braking system

The subsequent installation of ABS can be complicated, especially if an ABS system was never available for the vehicle type (e.g. at an additional cost). Then you cannot fall back on components that are already suitable. In some vehicles, however, there is already a preparation for the ABS installation. Interested tuners can ask the vehicle manufacturer or the specialist workshop whether such a preparation for the ABS retrofitting is already there. For retrofitting, it may be necessary to replace parts on the axles. In addition, cabling for the necessary control unit must be available or installed. It must also be checked whether the vehicle parts already installed on the car are compatible with the ABS components. Older vehicle components may need to be replaced. The subsequent installation of ABS is therefore also a question of cost.

choose professional ABS retrofitting

ABS can usually be retrofitted and is considered irreplaceable in modern vehicles. ABS increases vehicle safety and plays an essential role in heavy braking. Interested tuners can therefore consider retrofitting ABS even if the vehicle is older. The retrofitting should definitely be done by an expert and must be done by a Test organization be removed. It is therefore absolutely advisable to have the retrofitting carried out by a specialist workshop in order to ensure perfect ABS function. After all, it's about the vehicle's brakes! Furthermore, it may be necessary to replace many vehicle parts and the vehicle must function safely and without problems after the conversion.

What advantages does the ABS system offer?

The anti-lock braking system ensures that the vehicle can still be steered during heavy braking. The braking distance can be shortened, depending on the surface, and the tires of the vehicle are protected. Individual braking force control is possible through ABS. ABS is a necessary safety aspect in vehicles.

Is there also a disadvantage of ABS?

Even with ABS, the braking distance depends on the ground. This means that the material of the road surface is decisive for the speed at which the car comes to a standstill during heavy braking. The braking distance can be shorter on firm asphalt than on snow, gravel or other surfaces.

PS: If the ABS system has been retrofitted or if it is installed as standard and the ABS control lamp lights up permanently, then there is normally a serious problem with the brake system. Our contribution "Tip: What to do if the ABS light is yellow?“Deals with exactly this topic.

We hope that you have read the info report on the topic / term Retrofitting ABS (Further designations / keywords: anti-lock braking system, anti-lock braking system, all brake systems) from the field of autotuning. Our goal is that the largest German-language tuning dictionary (Tuning Wikipedia) and to explain tuning terms from A to Z easily and understandably. Almost every day we expand this lexicon and how far we are, you can HERE see. Soon the next one will be Tuning scene concept be illuminated by us. By the way, you will be informed about new topics if you have ours Feed subscribe to.

Below are a few examples from our tuning lexicon:

But of course tuningblog has countless other articles on the subject of cars & car tuning in stock. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. We would also like to provide you with news aside from the tuning. In our category Tips, products, information & Co we pick up contributions from car or accessory manufacturers. And also our category Test sites, laws, offenses, information has almost daily new information for you. Here are a few topics from our tuning wiki:

"Tuningblog.eu" - we keep you up to date on the subject of car tuning and car styling with our tuning magazine and we present you the latest tuned vehicles from all over the world every day. It's best to subscribe to ours Feed and will automatically be informed as soon as there is something new about this post, and of course also to all other contributions.