SolaraGuy.com

The other day while driving on the freeway (sunny day, dry ground, and I have REALLY grippy newer tires) I was following a car pretty closely that had to brake because they weren't paying attention so I had to brake pretty hard as well, what I have noticed in my Solara is how sensitive the ABS is. While I braked doing about 80 the ABS kicked in, I do not think it was necessary, and there are many times that the ABS kicks in on the Solara when I don't think it should be (dry ground).


Anyone else experience this? I have ceramic brake pads but the car has done this since new.

Regardless of whether it's wet or dry road, if the system detects a lockup it's gonna activate the "brake pulsing". One factor to consider is that the ABS is tuned to the stock tires and brakes components, not to your current setup. With better tire grip and brakes you can improve your stopping distance 100% but the ABS will still be tuned to the mediocre stock tires, stock brakes and stock braking distance. (Which begs the on-going argument between tuners and car manufacturers about whether improved grip and braking causes the ABS to kick on sooner.) Another factor to consider is that the Solara is NOT a light vehicle, slamming on the brakes around 35mph on a 3400lb-plus car will activate the ABS, let alone at 80mph.

Black Bob wrote:Regardless of whether it's wet or dry road, if the system detects a lockup it's gonna activate the "brake pulsing". One factor to consider is that the ABS is tuned to the stock tires and brakes components, not to your current setup. With better tire grip and brakes you can improve your stopping distance 100% but the ABS will still be tuned to the mediocre stock tires, stock brakes and stock braking distance. (Which begs the on-going argument between tuners and car manufacturers about whether improved grip and braking causes the ABS to kick on sooner.) Another factor to consider is that the Solara is NOT a light vehicle, slamming on the brakes around 35mph on a 3400lb-plus car will activate the ABS, let alone at 80mph.

True, but I have driven quite a few cars for my age. Neither my pathfinder nor either the 03 or 08 Yukon's I drove back in high school would have it kick in so easy. Though they both had the stock brakes and not as grippy tires. I can see why it would kick in because it is set up to be used for a stock setup; the Solara never had (well it did, but I drove off the lot without) stock tires. The dealership I bought the car from had a little customization shop built into it and we had them put on the BBS wheels (along with high end Michelin tires) before even leaving the lot.

wkbrdr91 wrote: Neither my pathfinder nor either the 03 or 08 Yukon's I drove back in high school would have it kick in so easy.

Apples to oranges.

The solution...don't follow so closely. If the other driver wasn't paying attention and you were, you should have started slowing down earlier.

I've had a few panic stops and it seems the only time the abs kicked in was in Greece (at least that's the only times I remember). Those roads there are horrible for traction. The other times is when I purposely tried to put my foot through the floor

i just did p90x ab ripper x. how's that for some sensitive abs

I literally lol'd