15.07.2006 - Independent workshops are on the safe side with the ATE full service package. Tools from the comprehensive ATE range mean that you can work fast, saving time and money. Some of the latest examples are outlined below:

• the new ATE BFT 320, a mobile unit for laboratory-standard testing of brake fluid,
• the innovative ATE FB 30 brake fluid fill/bleed unit with electronic pressure control to prevent any air entering the brake system,
• the second-generation ATE AST sensor tester for easy and reliable trouble-shooting on active wheel speed sensors, and
• the ATE test card for magnetic sensor wheels, which prevents incorrect installation.
  

The ATE BFT 320 brake fluid tester

Over the course of time, brake fluid absorbs water and the boiling point falls. If it falls to 180°C or lower, there is a danger of brake failure. The only way to reliably assess the condition of brake fluid is by heating the fluid to boiling point and making measurements with precision instruments. This is the method used by the new ATE BFT 320 brake fluid tester.

This mobile unit is designed for flexible service in the workshop. It has a hand-held format and can be connected to the vehicle's 12V battery. Operators can carry out the measurement directly in the brake fluid reservoir. Alternatively, a sample can be tested away from the vehicle using the pipette and vial supplied with the unit.

The ATE BFT 320 is easy to use thanks to a clearly legible control panel and clear and comprehensible instructions in German or English. The test itself only takes 30 seconds and the instrument gives a direct boiling point reading in degrees Celsius. Depending on the results, the unit also makes a recommendation on brake fluid replacement. 

The ATE FB 30 brake fluid fill/bleed unit

The replacement of low-viscosity brake fluids such as ATE SL.6 and the bleeding of modern brake systems with their electronic control systems pose considerable challenges for brake bleeding equipment. This is where the new ATE FB 30 with its innovative electronic pressure control technology sets new standards. The pressure control system maintains a constant working pressure, which can be monitored on the pressure gauge.

An ergonomically positioned inclined instrument panel prevents pressure read-out errors and makes this mobile unit easier to use. The ATE FB 30 fills brake systems directly from 5 to 30-liter brake fluid cans. There is no need to first pour the brake fluid into other containers, which can be a time-consuming operation. As soon as the can is almost empty, the ATE FB 30 shuts down automatically and gives off an audible warning. Thanks to this technology and the easy operation of the unit, the FB 30 allows smooth and reliable maintenance work on conventional brake and clutch systems as well as modern electronically controlled brake systems.

The 2nd generation ATE AST sensor tester

Active wheel speed sensors are in widespread use on many modern vehicle models. The new generation of sensors transmits digital signals to the handling control unit. Active sensors can no longer be tested using a simple circuit tester. In addition, the design of the sensor wheel used with active wheel sensors has changed drastically. The sensor wheel now consists of several pairs of North and South magnetic poles positioned in series on the wheel bearing and protected by a layer of rubber. It is no longer possible to inspect the condition of these “optical gear wheels” (with magnetic poles instead of teeth) just by looking at them. The ATE AST sensor test unit makes for smooth, fast troubleshooting. In just a few steps, passive and active wheel speed sensors can be tested reliably. No dismantling is necessary when testing active wheel speed sensors.

With an additional cable set, tests can also be carried out on other ATE ESC sensors such as yaw rate, pressure, and longitudinal and lateral acceleration sensors. If the supply voltage, output signal and pin allocation are known, the test unit can also be used for testing the sensors of other vehicle systems. With the ATE AST sensor test unit, costly and time-consuming trial and error work involving the replacement of sensors and other components is a thing of the past. The operation of the ATE AST sensor test unit is self-explanatory. The menu guides the user through the test procedure step-bystep. The smart electronic systems incorporated in the unit automatically identify passive sensors and first-generation or second-generation active sensors. The unit will then automatically select the appropriate test procedure for the sensor concerned. If there are any deviations between the measurements and required values, the unit provides suggestions for further troubleshooting work by brake specialists.

Further information on the comprehensive ATE range of brake service equipment and tools is available in the new ATE tool catalog WK3.