Electronic elements of the brake system

The brake system of the Passat car includes a whole range of electronic devices. An anti-lock braking system is installed on the car (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking during heavy braking.

Therefore, even under heavy braking, the car remains steerable, as the ABS system distributes the braking force between the individual wheels. Thus, blocking the wheels on one side is not possible.

The ABS control unit is connected to the hydraulic system and constantly receives information about the speed of each wheel from sensors. In the control unit, the information received from the sensors is compared with the programmed values. If the difference in the speed values of one or more wheels indicates the danger of blocking, the unit activates the hydraulic unit. The pressure in the corresponding wheel system is reduced until the wheel starts to rotate freely and brakes again. Depending on the condition of the roadway, this process occurs in a matter of milliseconds.

Malfunctions in the ABS do not affect the brake system and the amplifier as a whole. The brakes work fine without ABS. Strengthening the work of the brakes occurs with the help of a pneumatic booster, which increases the braking force by 60%. For models with gasoline engines, the necessary vacuum is provided by the suction pipe. Gasoline engines with automatic transmission are equipped with a vacuum pump. Diesel engines are also equipped with a vacuum pump or twin pump to provide fuel and vacuum.

The function of the brake regulator installed on early models is performed by a control unit with a special program for distributing the braking force on the rear axle. Other electronically controlled components of the braking system are traction control (ASR), device (EDS), which increases the grip of the wheel with the road, and an electronic stability program (ESP).