Longitudinal wheel slip is a loss of adhesion between the tyres and the road
surface. This occurs when the vehicle is moving in a straight ahead direction and
the braking or acceleration forces applied to a tyre exceeds the amount of adhesion
available to that tyre.
When none of the wheels are locked during braking, the brakes work by converting
kinetic energy (forward motion of the vehicle) into thermal energy (heat). The friction
between the stationary brake pad and the rotating disc as it slides past the pad convert
the motion of the wheel and tyre into heat. The brake disc is designed to work like
a heat sink, and absorbs as much as 80% of the heat generated during stopping. The
brake disc is cooled as it spins through the air on the way to the next stop. The
friction surfaces between the brake pads and the brake disc are designed to provide
a stable and controlled braking action. Therefore, a vehicle that is braked without
locking the wheel will stop in a shorter distance while maintaining directional stability
and steering capability. Maximum braking efficiency is achieved when a wheel lock
slip is prevented.
Lateral wheel slip is the loss of adhesion between the tyres and the road surface,
which occurs when the vehicle is cornering or when too much engine torque is applied
to the vehicle and the following forces applied to the tyres exceeds the amount of
adhesion available to that tyre:
In addition, steering control depends upon tyre adhesion. A locked wheel in
a 100 percent slip condition delivers poor braking and directional control.
The front tyre direction (A) has minimal steering effect while the vehicle
skids in direction (B). The tyres must regain their adhesion before steering
control is restored to the vehicle.
When the vehicle is cornering (A) at high speed or when the vehicle encounters
a slippery road surface, the vehicle understeers when the cornering, braking or acceleration
forces applied to the tyres exceeds the adhesion available between the tyres and the
road surface.
Under this condition, the vehicle spins (B) with the front of the vehicle
sliding in direction (C).
When the vehicle is cornering (A) at high speed or when the vehicle encounters
a slippery road surface, the vehicle oversteers when the cornering, braking or acceleration
forces applied to the tyres exceeds the adhesion available between the tyres and the
road surface.
Under this condition, the vehicle spins (B) with the rear of the vehicle
sliding in direction (C).
The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) (1) is the control centre
of the antilock braking system-traction control system with electronic stability program
(ABS-TCS/ESP). It is integrated with the Brake Modulator Assembly (2) to form
one assembly.
When the ignition is switched on, the EBCM constantly performs a self-test that
detects and isolates ABS-TCS/ESP faults. In addition, the EBCM performs on Self-test
Initialisation Sequence for each ignition cycle. This Initialisation Sequence commences
when the vehicle reaches approximately 15 km/h.
During the Initialisation Sequence, the EBCM sends a control signal to the hydraulic
modulator to cycle each of the solenoid valves as well as operate the pump motor to
check for correct component operation. If the pump or any solenoid valves fail to
operate, the EBCM sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).
When the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h, the EBCM continuously monitors
the ABS-TCS/ESP by comparing the logical sequence of input and output signals with
the normal operating parameters stored in the EBCM. If any of the input or output
signals are outside the normal operating parameters, the EBCM sets the DTC.