1. Give ABS Tone Wheels a Regular Once-Over

If you’re driving around Te Rapa, through the morning traffic to Frankton, or taking your kids over those chunky speed bumps in Rototuna, your car’s ABS tone wheels can cop a hiding. First thing we do when someone comes in is a proper inspection — quick check for cracks, chips, or missing bits on those tone wheels. If you’re hearing odd pulsing from the brake pedal after popping over a pothole on Avalon Drive, could be it’s time to look. Early catch means less drama and keeps your brakes working sweet when you need them.

2. Keep ‘Em Clean – Dirt & Debris is a Killer

Hamilton’s roads can be pretty filthy, especially after a wet week in Hillcrest. We get plenty of Mazdas and Suzuki Swifts with ABS lights on, and sometimes it’s just gunk built up on the tone wheels. A gentle brush and a bit of cleaner sorts most of it. Just don’t go aggressive — we’ve seen what happens if someone takes to it with a wire brush or water blaster. Want more cleaning tips? Check this post on cleaning headlights with household items.

3. Resurface When It’s Not Too Far Gone

Small gouges or rough spots can muck up the ABS signal, especially if you’ve bounced over some roadworks near Cambridge or hit a curb outside The Base. We’ve sorted a few Toyota Corollas and even an Audi A3 with a skim of the tone wheel — makes a big difference. If it’s not too far fried, resurfacing can keep you rolling without fuss.

4. Replace Properly If Damaged

Sometimes, you can’t save it — cracked or seriously bent tone wheel? Best bet is a fresh one. We had a Hyundai i30 in from Tamahere, lady driver, ABS light always flicking on. New tone wheel, sorted. It’s gotta be the right part for your model — not worth mucking around. A pro like one of our techs will swap it out and check everything’s snug.

For more, here’s an ABS repair guide.

5. Don’t Forget Sensor Calibration

Any time you replace, clean, or resurface a tone wheel (or even if you had a big knock on Cobham Drive), making sure to calibrate the ABS sensors is key. Otherwise, you get weird false warnings, especially on newer Euros like a VW Golf or Subaru Outback. Fast job with the right gear. Check out how calibration helps with this ABS calibration article.

6. Wiring – Check it’s Tight as

ABS issues often come down to the wiring. After a few harsh winters, wiring on some Nissans or even a classic Peugeot can get grimy, loose, or corroded. If your ABS light’s dancing every time you drive through Dinsdale or Morrinsville, could be as simple as a dodgy connection. We always check and tidy these up at every car service Hamilton.

More details on wiring fixes here: guide on preventing electrical issues.

7. Plug in the Scanner – Get a Pro Diagnostic

If you’ve tried the basics and ABS is still playing up, best call in the big guns. Our crew uses professional diagnostics — scan tools that tell us exactly what’s up. Whether you’ve got a tricky hybrid repair in a Honda Jazz or persistent warning lights in a BMW, we’ll get to the bottom of it.

See our diagnostic kit: our diagnostic equipment page.

Why Grimmer Motors for ABS Repairs?

  • Years of Know-How: Our techs have sorted ABS on everything from Hilux utes to European wagons. Seen it all.

  • Top Tools: Modern diagnostics so we don’t play guessing games with your car.

  • We Care: Whether it’s a quick look for a student in an old Suzuki or a full repair for a family van, we want you safe on the roads — from St Andrews to Cambridge and everywhere in between.

Questions about your ABS or need a WOF in Hamilton? Flick us a call, or just pop in. We’ll get you sorted, no dramas.

Book Now