MY02 WRX ABS Problems

[David Betts]

I thought the purpose of ABS was not to reduce braking distance, but to
allow you to control the vehicle by not letting the tyres lock up.

Absolutely correct. In slippery conditions it may well increas braking
distances.

I had an experience the other day where my ABS kicked in unwanted though. I
was braking normally for a red light, and there was a little skip in the
road where i think the tyres momentarily lost contact with the road. All of
a sudden, the brake pedal started pulsing, felt really weird.

It does feel weird, doesn't it. In fact, many people come off the
brake when experiencing it for the first time in an emergency
situation.... which is, of course, completely the wrong reaction. You
should keep your foot in and let the abs do the work - it pulses
several times a second, far quicker than you or I can cadence brake -
at the same time steering around the obstruction.

There are all sorts of reasons why people start experiencing abs for
the first time in a Rex other than 'over-sensitivity'. Mostly it's
because the car inspires such confidence that they are driving a
little bit faster and braking a little bit later without realising it.
On the other hand, the road surface hasn't got any better and the
standard-fit tyres haven't got any grippier <g>. Also, and this is one
of the few legitimate criticisms of the car, the pedal pressures
required are too light and the pedals lack feel and feedback. (This
applies as much to the clutch and the brake.)

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Mr Blobby]

Well I didn't think I would provoke suck a reaction with my Question!

Needless to say I am a little wary of starting something else but here is my
original question:

-------------------Copy-------------------------------------------
My MY02 REX has ABS activation problems and low speed when the break is not
being applied heavily (just covered, just enough for the rear break lights
to activate) , mostly while turning and mainly on encumbered (rough) road.
Any body had a similar problem? Keep in mind I just changed the rims around
and the service Dept has blown out the Callipers.
It only effects the Front Right Hand Side only, I am talking about just 1-5
Kmph (mostly pulling into a car park etc..) not
even applying the break really just covering it.
------------------PASTE-----------------------------------------------


On the subject most of the other guys are talking about I believe in
Australia Subaru altered the ABS sensitivity on all imports for our
conditions.
Maybe this make our day to day ABS better, Which I must admit until my
resent problem I never used! (only on gravel)

Anyway Good luck Hacking it out ANDY and DAVID


Andrew C (Mr Blobby as he is now known)

 

[Ken Gilbert]

Absolutely correct. In slippery conditions it may well increas braking
distances.


It does feel weird, doesn't it. In fact, many people come off the
brake when experiencing it for the first time in an emergency
situation.... which is, of course, completely the wrong reaction. You
should keep your foot in and let the abs do the work - it pulses
several times a second, far quicker than you or I can cadence brake -
at the same time steering around the obstruction.

There are all sorts of reasons why people start experiencing abs for
the first time in a Rex other than 'over-sensitivity'. Mostly it's
because the car inspires such confidence that they are driving a
little bit faster and braking a little bit later without realising it.
On the other hand, the road surface hasn't got any better and the
standard-fit tyres haven't got any grippier <g>. Also, and this is one
of the few legitimate criticisms of the car, the pedal pressures
required are too light and the pedals lack feel and feedback. (This
applies as much to the clutch and the brake.)

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

david, all,

just so we know we're not comparing apples to apples here, remember
that the USDM wrx comes with 16" rims and tires, unlike the european
market models.

lots of folks over here have reported that switching to 17" rims/tires
made a surprising difference in the sensitivity of the ABS system, for
the better. since 17" rims are apparently what the car was designed
around (the original size), it makes some sense.

jm2c
ken

 

[Mr Blobby]

Good observation Ken

David Betts <(e-mail address removed)> wrote in message


david, all,

just so we know we're not comparing apples to apples here, remember
that the USDM wrx comes with 16" rims and tires, unlike the european
market models.

lots of folks over here have reported that switching to 17" rims/tires
made a surprising difference in the sensitivity of the ABS system, for
the better. since 17" rims are apparently what the car was designed
around (the original size), it makes some sense.

jm2c
ken

 

[Michael P. Smith]

that is how mine "over-reacts" too. and all this time i thought it was my American hammed footed driving

Mik

 

[Mike B.]

Yep.. will do that. I had a spot where the road is very warped from trucks
stopping there. The ABS always kicks in at that spot as the tires bounce over
those little ripples. Just doing what they are suppose to do. You should take
the car out and (in snow or rain) really step on them and get the feel of what
the ABS does. Keeps you straight.