ADAS And Brake Pads

ADAS And Brake Pads

ADAS can adapt, but if a replacement part falls outside the performance parameters it can cause problems.

If your shop is performing brake repairs, you are already able to service most ADAS vehicles. All ADAS systems are basically layers of software and sensors on top of brake, suspension and steering systems. This means that even the most sophisticated laser, camera or radar system still needs to have a brake pad, rotor and tire to carry out the correction in an emergency or during normal operation. These electronic layers of complexity need to have predictable performance from the most basic mechanical replacement parts.

Friction Confusion

Deep in the software of any ABS, stability control or ADAS system that relies on the brakes to carry out a correction, the system knows that for a given amount of hydraulic pressure, the brakes will produce a specific amount of brake torque. This is built around the friction profile of the original brake pads.

If the brake pads are replaced with a friction material that is significantly different than the original material, it could cause issues with an ADAS system. The corrections could take longer to bring the vehicle under control if the brake pads don’t produce enough friction.

If the new friction material is too aggressive, it could cause abrupt corrections or even an over correction. With an adaptive cruise control system, the driver may notice jerky performance.

If the friction material does not match the programmed value, it can result in stability control problems. This condition often results in over corrections where the understeer suddenly turns to snap oversteer. Often it becomes a battle between the stability control system and the driver, but the vehicle is often the loser.

You may think there is only a small difference in performance between the least expensive brake pad and a premium brake pad. But when investigators start looking at a crash, they do not measure in dollars, they measure in feet and inches.

Fade Control

On most vehicles, the brake controller monitors brake use when the ABS, stability control or ADAS systems are interacting with the brakes. The software algorithm can estimate fairly accurately the temperature of the brake pads without using an actual brake pad temperature sensor to predict how much the brakes are starting to fade.

The controller keeps track of to what extent the brakes are being used. If the controller estimates the brakes are overheating, it may temporarily discontinue ABS, traction control and/or stability control to give the brakes a chance to cool down. Some manufacturers call this brake fade compensation. On some early ABS systems with traction control, drivers would often overheat the brakes trying to get out of a snowbank if the system was left on.

Because brake fade compensation is programmed for the hot friction characteristics of the original equipment brake pads, it should be obvious that any replacement brake pads for these vehicles should have friction characteristics that closely match the original pads.

Caliper Condition

Another factor in the ADAS equation is the condition of the brake calipers. If a caliper has a frozen guide pin, the effectiveness of the brakes will be compromised. Before ABS, the customer might complain of a brake pull. With ABS, the system counteracts the unequal brakes by reducing brake pressure on the opposite side to keep the vehicle going straight.

In the past, the driver could adapt to small changes to the condition of the brakes by applying a little more or less pressure on the brake pedal. ADAS can adapt, but if a replacement part falls outside the performance parameters it can cause problems.

Article courtesy ImportCar magazine.

You May Also Like

Steering Angle Sensor Service

Ninety percent of the time when a steering angle sensor code is active, it means the sensor needs to be calibrated.

You just finished a car or truck alignment or other repair that might have disconnected power to the vehicle. You pulled the vehicle off the lift and parked it in the lot. The customer pulls away and, within five minutes, they are back complaining an ABS, stability control or ADAS light is illuminated or a warning message is displayed. What happened?

Catalytic Converter Replacement

Converters must be certified and labeled with the correct codes that are stamped into the shell when replacing.

Wheel Bearing Service Tips

When faced with any noise complaint, take the time to test-drive the car.

Honda Ridgeline Caliper Replacement

The parking brake and hydraulics are where you’ll find any service issues.

Brake Problems

Reducing brake drag on late-model vehicles is not accomplished by a single component; it takes a system.

Other Posts

Topology and Your Scan Tool

Topology influences how you access the modules with your scan tool.

Are Modern Cars with ADAS Really Safer?

Studies suggest that ADAS technologies can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries on the road.

ADAS Calibration Tips

Here are 10 tips to follow during ADAS Calibration.

Brake Rotor Quality Check

The brake rotor might look fine, but the problem could be internal.