Is anyone on this list an engineer for Bosch/automotive brake systems...

[Bernard Littau]

Hi Rob,

> I have a debate I need settled with ABS....
> Can you respond if you are WELL qualified and an expert in the area of ABS
> (ie you design ABS systems for a living).

At least post the two sides of the debate for our amusement :-)  Don't tell
us which side you are taking, we wouldn't want to be biased.

I do have the original manual from Audi for its dealer techs that introduces
the ABS system.  It does go through some general theory before it gets into
how to use the test equipment.

While I am far from an expert, my two cents:

ABS was designed to allow a car to steer under hard braking.  It trades
braking performance away for increased driver control.  This is done under
the premise that a typical driver will brake first, then steer to avoid an
unexpected obstacle.

You have likely seen those perfectly straight skid marks, in a curve, that
run into a barrier.  ABS is designed to avoid that problem.  Engineers
analyzed many accidents, and concluded that more accidents could be avoided
by allowing a car to steer verses more effective brakes.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq