BX801855 | Genuine Bendix ABS Trailer Valve Assembly TABS-6

TABS-6 ABS Kit for Trailers

1. Prevent Wheel Lockup

During hard braking:

• The ECU detects if a wheel is about to stop rotating.

• The valve rapidly adjusts air pressure to that wheel.

This prevents skidding.

2. Improve Trailer Stability

It helps:

• Prevent trailer swing

• Reduce risk of jackknifing

• Keep the trailer tracking straight behind the tractor

3. Maintain Steering & Control

Even though the trailer doesn’t steer, preventing lockup:

• Keeps the trailer stable

• Prevents loss of directional control

• Reduces loss of traction on wet or icy roads

4. Reduce Tire Wear

Locked wheels cause:

• Flat spots

• Rapid tire damage

ABS prevents that by keeping wheels rotating during braking.

5. Meet Legal Requirements

In many countries, including the U.S., ABS has been required on most air-brake trailers since the late 1990s.

1. ABS Warning Light Stays On

• Trailer ABS light stays illuminated on the trailer

• ABS warning stays on in the tractor dash

This is the most common symptom.

2. Wheels Lock Up During Hard Braking

If ABS is not functioning:

• Trailer wheels may skid

• You may see flat spots on tires

• Trailer may feel unstable under heavy braking

3. No ABS Self-Check Click

When you first power the trailer (key on), you should often hear:

• A brief clicking or cycling sound from the ABS valve

If there’s no sound, the valve may not be activating.

4. Air Leaks from the Valve

A failing modulator valve may:

• Leak air constantly

• Leak only during brake application

• Leak from exhaust ports

Air leaks can reduce braking performance.

5. Intermittent ABS Operation

• ABS light turns on and off

• Braking feels inconsistent

• Fault appears only during wet conditions

Could indicate internal valve or ECU failure.

6. Fault Codes (Most Accurate Method)

Using a diagnostic tool, you may see:

• Modulator valve faults

• ECU internal failure codes

• Power/ground communication faults

This is the most reliable way to confirm failure.

7. Poor Trailer Stability During Braking

• Trailer pulls to one side

• Feels like brakes are grabbing unevenly

• Increased risk of trailer swing