Best Antilock Brake Relays of 2026
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Antilock brake relays are an essential component of modern braking systems. They are designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, ensuring that the vehicle remains stable and controllable. Antilock brake relays work by rapidly pulsing the brakes, allowing the wheels to maintain traction with the road surface. These relays are typically found in vehicles with advanced braking systems, such as those with ABS (Antilock Brake System) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) technology. They are a crucial safety feature that can help prevent accidents and save lives on the road.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Antilock Brake Relays
Roadmaster 88400 Brake-Lite Relay Kit
The Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay is a compact auto accessory designed to improve your vehicle's braking system. With dimensions measuring just 2.54 cm long, 15.494 cm wide, and 24.892 cm high, it easily fits into your vehicle without taking up much space. Weighing only 0.181 kilograms, it is lightweight and simple to handle during installation. Made in the United States, this product ensures quality and reliability. The relay helps manage your brake lights effectively, enhancing safety by making sure your signals are clear to other drivers on the road.
KUIPERAUTO Trailer Brake Control Relay Assembly for GM Trucks and SUVs
The KUIPERAUTO Brake Relay is designed to fit a wide range of GM trucks and SUVs, including Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and GMC Sierra and Yukon models. This makes it easy for you to find the right part for your vehicle. It meets original equipment specifications and replaces several part numbers, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance. The relay features advanced technology for quick and accurate response, helping your engine perform better by adjusting fuel and air flow efficiently. Installation is simple and straightforward, saving you time with a plug-and-play design that requires no complicated setup.
Cardone 12-1000 ABS Hydraulic Assembly Unit
The Cardone ABS Hydraulic Unit is designed to give you peace of mind with its thorough testing process. Each module undergoes computerized testing to make sure it works perfectly, so you don’t have to worry about malfunctions. The unit also goes through high-pressure hydraulic checks to prevent leaks, ensuring it lasts longer and performs reliably. Additionally, field testing adds an extra layer of quality assurance, meaning you get a product that’s been proven in real-world conditions. Plus, this unit is environmentally friendly since it uses 80% less energy and raw materials during remanufacturing, helping you contribute to sustainability while upgrading your vehicle.
Cardone 12-1015 Remanufactured ABS Hydraulic Unit
The Cardone ABS Hydraulic Unit is a remanufactured part designed to fit your vehicle perfectly, just like the original. This means you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. It undergoes thorough testing using automated computerized equipment to make sure it works reliably, giving you peace of mind. The unit also goes through high-pressure hydraulic tests to prevent leaks, ensuring it performs well over time and lasts longer. Additionally, it is tested for air decay to guarantee no brake fluid leaks, which helps maintain consistent braking performance for your safety and convenience.
Sawyer Auto Electronic Brake Relay Connector for 1988-1990 Cadillac DeVille
The Sawyer Auto Brake Connector is a direct replacement part designed to fit your 1988-1990 Cadillac DeVille perfectly, making installation easy and hassle-free. Built with modern manufacturing tools, it ensures you get a high-quality and reliable product. This connector uses durable materials that often surpass the original equipment in strength, giving you a longer-lasting solution. Plus, it meets exact specifications, so you can trust it to perform just like the factory part. With this connector, you get a dependable and straightforward fix for your electronic brake system.
Standard Motor Products RY-858 Brake Relay
The Standard Motor RY-858 Relay is designed to support your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system, which helps maintain control during sudden stops. This relay ensures reliable communication within the ABS, which can improve your car's safety by preventing wheel lockup. Made by Standard Motor Products, a trusted brand, you can count on its quality and durability. The Intermotor Relay design means it fits well in many vehicle setups, giving you a convenient replacement option. Installing this relay can help keep your braking system functioning smoothly, providing peace of mind while driving.
SevnYoko 51301 Air Brake Emergency Relay Valve
The SevnYoko Emergency Relay Valve is a reliable replacement for the Tramec 51301 Trailer Emergency Valve, making it easy for you to maintain your heavy-duty trailer’s spring brake control. Its 1/4" supply and control ports ensure secure, standard connections, so you can trust it to work seamlessly with your anti-lock braking system. Built with a hard anodized surface, this valve resists corrosion and stands up to tough conditions, giving you long-lasting durability. Plus, its lightweight and compact design makes installation straightforward, allowing you to upgrade or replace your old system without hassle.
Sawyer Auto Electronic Brake Relay Connector for 1988-1990 Cadillac DeVille
The Sawyer Auto Brake Relay is designed to be a perfect fit for your 1988-1990 Cadillac DeVille, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. Built with modern manufacturing techniques, this relay connector ensures you receive a high-quality, reliable part that performs well. It is made with durable materials that often surpass the original equipment manufacturer’s standards, giving you a longer-lasting replacement. Plus, this product undergoes thorough testing to guarantee it meets strict quality requirements, so you can trust it to work effectively and keep your vehicle’s braking system running smoothly.
Wajelara Air Brake Emergency Relay Valve 51301
The Wajelara Brake Relay Valve is designed to fit seamlessly with Tramec Trailer Emergency Valves, making it a reliable replacement for part number 51301. Its metal construction with a hard anodized finish ensures resistance to oxidation and corrosion, giving you a durable product that lasts. Installation is straightforward thanks to its lightweight, plug-and-play design, although professional help is recommended for best results. Additionally, the valve features optimized ports sized at 1/4" for both supply and control, providing secure, standard connections that work well with anti-lock braking systems. This makes it a practical choice for maintaining your trailer’s emergency brake system.
ACDelco 88974018 Brake Pressure Modulator Valve
The ACDelco Brake Modulator Valve is a reliable replacement part designed specifically for GM vehicles. It meets GM’s original equipment standards, ensuring it fits perfectly and works just like the part your vehicle came with. By choosing this valve, you benefit from the same quality and durability that GM guarantees, giving you peace of mind that your braking system will perform safely and effectively. This part is made to match the exact specifications of the original, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility or function when you install it yourself or have a mechanic do it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the symptoms of a bad ABS relay?
Some symptoms of a failed ABS relay include the ABS light staying on, the brake pedal feeling different than normal, loss of control while braking, and reduced braking performance, especially during hard braking.
2. Is there a fuse for anti-lock brakes?
Yes, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) employs fuses and relays to protect the wiring and control units in case of electrical issues. These fuses and relays play a crucial role in safeguarding the ABS system.
3. What happens if I remove the ABS fuse?
Removing the ABS fuse can lead to various problems, including reduced or non-existent brake performance, decreased overall safety, and the car's inability to detect when the brakes are being applied. This can result in potentially dangerous situations while driving.
4. How much does it cost to replace an ABS relay?
The cost of replacing an ABS relay can range from approximately $320 to $1,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The exact cost may vary.
5. Can you drive with ABS failure?
If the ABS light comes on individually, it is generally safe to drive your car to your destination as your normal brakes will still work. However, it is recommended to get the ABS system checked and repaired as soon as possible.
6. What causes anti-lock brakes to malfunction?
Malfunctions in anti-lock brakes are often caused by one or more sensors or damaged wiring to the sensors. Common problems occur when sensors become contaminated with debris or metal shavings. These issues can result in intermittent or no continuity within the ABS system.
7. What happens when anti-lock brakes fail?
When anti-lock brakes fail, they can behave erratically, pumping the brakes even under normal driving conditions. This failure can also produce strange clicking noises, even when the brakes aren't engaged. If you experience these symptoms, it is likely that your ABS module needs to be replaced.
8. Can you drive without an ABS sensor?
While it is not recommended, you can drive without an ABS sensor if your vehicle is equipped with it. However, in emergency situations, it is important to pump the brakes slowly and gently to avoid skidding or sliding.
9. Can you drive with ABS disconnected?
Yes, your car will still be able to stop without ABS if it is disconnected. However, it is not recommended to drive without ABS if your car is equipped with it, as ABS helps you stop safely in difficult conditions.
10. Can I drive with my ABS module removed?
You can still drive without a functional ABS control module as long as there is no problem with your conventional brake system. However, extra care should be taken, especially in wet or slick conditions, as the anti-lock element of the brakes won't work, and steering control may be affected if the tires lock up.
During our antilock brake relay research, we found 24 antilock brake relay products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,423 customer reviews through our big data system to write the antilock brake relays list. We found that most customers choose antilock brake relays with an average price of $81.99.
The antilock brake relays are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of antilock brake relays, including Roadmaster, KUIPERAUTO, Cardone, Sawyer Auto, Standard Motor Products. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,461 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.