ABS noise - is this normal?

einstein · Post by **einstein** » 07 Feb 2013, 08:24

I bought a second hand V50 and it is still under warranty. When the car reaches 20 km/h, it makes a short noise, which i can also feel in the throttle pedal. This happens only once and the car operates as normal after this. To hear the noise again you have to restart the car.

The salesman claims that the noise comes from the ABS kicking in, which sounds reasonable. He also claims that this is normal, but I find that hard to believe. Is this normal or is my ABS dying?

Post by **jimmy57** » 07 Feb 2013, 09:48

It is a normal function of the ABS system doing its initial diagnostics. WHen the speed reaches 18-20 kmh the solenoids and pump are all pulsed in succession to perform current draw tests.
If the ABS modulator, which is immediately in front of you on a LHD car like yours, does this it is not supposed to be easily audible but variances in the mounting may make it a little louder on some cars. Is the noise that loud or a volume only heard if radio and fan are quiet?

einstein · Post by **einstein** » 07 Feb 2013, 10:25

It is not audible with my radio on, but I like my music loud. It is loud enough for passengers to notice and ask me what they heard. I always leave my climate control on automatic, so the fans are always on.