Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Anti-lock braking is one of the most important innovations in automotive design in the last few decades, preventing hundreds of thousands of collisions and accidents.

The principle in which the system works is relatively simple, but the realities of implementing it are less so, with complex mechanical and electric devices being critical to it working properly. In this article, we’ll look into the potential costs of repairing these components.

How much does it cost to repair the ABS system?

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) repairs can cost between £60 - £2,300, depending on the nature and extent of the fault. 

An ABS pump or module replacement can cost anything from £600 - £2,300, depending if it needs dealer-level software re-coding.

A wheel speed sensor, however, can be as little as £50. 

Have your ABS repaired with Bumper. If you’re expecting a big repair bill, Bumper's interest-free 

An anti-lock braking system or ABS as it is shortened to, is a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up and skidding in the event of hard braking, or when driving over loose or slippery surfaces. 

It has been mandatory on all cars sold in the EU since 2004, and likely helps prevent thousands of accidents every year, by drastically reducing braking distances. It also helps significantly with being able to brake whilst steering.

A dedicated module monitors the speed of each wheel using sensors. This data is then used to detect when a wheel has started to skid. The ABS pump then pulses braking power to that wheel, preventing it from skidding.

In almost all modern cars, the module that controls and monitors the system, and the pump/modulator are built into one unit. This is known by a few names, including: the ABS pump, ABS module, ABS unit, etc.

The ABS system pulses the braking force up to 15 times per second when controlling a skid event. This is the cause of the vibrating/shaking feeling you may get when emergency braking.

With such a complex system, there are a number of reasons it can develop a fault.

A faulty wheel speed sensor is usually the best-case scenario, as they are relatively simple to change and not overly expensive. Faults with wheel speed sensors are usually accompanied by an ESP or ESC light on the dash too, as these systems also utilise them.

Old or dirty brake fluid can also cause problems with ABS systems, as the pump has many tiny orifices that can become blocked. This is another reason to keep on top of brake fluid servicing.

ABS pump faults through age or deterioration are also not uncommon; they have many complex components inside that can simply become ineffective with age and use.

No, it is unsafe to drive with an ABS fault. In the event of an emergency stop or wet road conditions, your car's stopping distance will be drastically increased.

The fact that older cars didn’t have ABS is immaterial, as modern braking systems have much more power and will lock up the wheels much more easily, vastly increasing the risk of an accident. 

If you’re worried about paying for costly car repairs, using Bumper's 

 can help your cash flow all at 0% interest. Apply online and choose from 1000s of partners across the UK.

 has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling. Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Anti-Lock Braking System Repair Cost in the UK? (2025)

Power steering is a feature that is easy to take for granted, particularly if you’ve never driven a car without it. It makes driving, especially parking, much less of a chore. 

In this article, we’ll have a look at some common power steering faults and how much they are likely to cost.

How much does it cost to repair power steering?

Power steering repairs can cost anything from £60 to £1,500+ depending on what needs to be repaired or replaced. 

For instance, replacing a sensor or fuse could be relatively cheap, certain sensors typically only cost £20-30 and don’t take long to fit.

However, if significant parts are required, such as a new power steering pump or rack, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for the bill to surpass £1,000.

A hydraulic fault, such as a split or leaking hose, could cause the system to leak fluid and stop working. These sorts of faults would likely cost between £200 and £600 to sort.

If your car needs work, consider Bumper's 

 to spread out the cost into monthly payments, all with zero-percent interest. 

Those who started driving within the last 20-30 years may not have experienced driving cars without power steering. In a nutshell, power steering drastically reduces the amount of force needed to turn the steering wheel.

In cars of old, carrying out a manoeuvre such as parking in a tight spot, or doing a three-point-turn, could result in a moderate arm workout! 

 the advent of power steering allowed car designers to fit modern-looking, small steering wheels. Take a look inside a car from the 70s or 80s and you’ll notice just how massive the steering wheel is. These were used to give the driver more leverage and make turning the wheel less difficult.

There are two types of power steering, hydraulic and electric; both work to make turning the wheels less strenuous, but do so in slightly different ways. 

Electric power steering uses an electric motor attached to the steering rack. When a sensor detects the driver trying to turn, the motor is powered in the appropriate direction, assisting the driver. 

Common faults with electric power steering systems include failing angle sensors - the part that detects when the driver is turning, and faulty motors. 

Hydraulic power steering uses a mechanically powered hydraulic pump to similarly assist the driver's steering input. The first thing to check when a hydraulic system is playing up, is the fluid level in the reservoir.

Common faults with hydraulic power steering systems can relate to an issue inside the rack itself or a fault with the power steering pump. The latter is often accompanied by a whining noise when trying to turn.

There are some telltale signs of certain power steering faults:

No, you should not try to drive a car with a broken power steering system. 

Whilst it’s true that cars haven’t always had power steering, the steering system is designed to be assisted by it, making turning the wheel incredibly difficult in the event of a power steering fault.

Have your power steering fixed with Bumper

Car problems almost always crop up at the worst time. If your car has developed a fault, Bumper could help spread the cost of paying those expensive repair bills with interest-free 

 has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Power Steering Repair Costs (UK Prices)

No, Bumper does not do a “hard” credit check when you apply. 

When applying for Bumper’s Buy Now Pay Later service for car maintenance, Bumper performs a “soft” credit check, which does not affect your credit score. 

However, this is just the initial search. If you accept your Bumper plan and start making repayments, these will be reported to the credit reference agency. 

If you make payments on time, this could positively affect your credit score. 

Read on to find out more about how credit checks with Bumper work: 

Yes, Bumper does a “soft” credit check when you apply for their interest-free finance product. A “hard” credit check isn’t performed. 

Soft credit checks show on your credit report but aren’t visible to other lenders. Only you can see them. 

Because other lenders can’t see them, they won’t affect other credit applications, such as a mortgage or finance to purchase a car. 

When you start making repayments towards a Bumper payment plan, repayments will be reported to the credit reference agency: 

Bumper performs a soft credit check. This is only visible on your credit report to you. 

Payments made on time or missed payments would be reported to the credit reference agency. 

How strict are Bumper’s credit checks? 

If you have a good credit history and have been regularly making repayments to other lenders on time, it is most likely that you’ll be approved. 

If you don’t have a very good credit history and you regularly miss repayments or have a history of defaults, you may not be accepted. 

However, applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and we cannot guarantee you’ll be approved. 

Why does Bumper perform a soft credit check? 

The “soft” search Bumper performs gives us a an overview of key aspects of your credit history, allowing us to make an assessment of your creditworthiness. 

As a responsible lender, we must do all we can to make sure we don’t approve anybody for credit that they might not be able to repay or could push them into financial difficulty. A soft search lets us do this. 

Does a credit check from Bumper show to other lenders? 

The soft credit check Bumper carries out when you apply doesn’t show to other lenders. 

However, if you start your plan and accept your agreement, on-time and missed payments will be reported to the credit reference agency. 

Does a credit check from Bumper show immediately? 

Bumper reports the soft credit check to the credit reference agency straight away. 

It is important to remember that a soft search only appears to you. It doesn’t show to other lenders. 

Does using Bumper improve your credit score? 

Yes, using Bumper could improve your credit score. 

Regularly making payments on time is a good way to show lenders you’re likely to meet their repayment schedule and can positively impact your credit score. 

However, missed or default payments could affect your credit score in a negative way. If you think you’re unable to make your repayments, the best thing to do is speak to Bumper straight away. 

Final thoughts – does Bumper do a hard credit check? 

Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need about how credit checks for Bumper’s 

No, Bumper does not perform a hard credit check. It performs a soft credit check, which only you can see. 

If you accept your credit agreement, the payments you make or miss will be reported back to the credit reference agency. 

Does Bumper do a hard credit check? 

BMW’s MINI brand is one of the most popular on UK roads, especially when you consider all the models such as the Countryman, Clubman and of course the Cooper. However, being a subsidiary of BMW, are repair costs very high? 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some common faults relating to the drivetrain of common MINI models, and how much they’re likely to cost. 

How much does repairing your MINI drivetrain cost?

Drivetrain repairs on MINIs can cost anything from £200 to £3,000+.

The drivetrain of your car is anything that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. In most two-wheel drive cars this includes the clutch and flywheel, gearbox, differential and driveshafts.

If your car needs significant drivetrain work, such as a replacement clutch or gearbox repair, Bumper can help spread the cost with interest-free 

Clutches in most modern MINIs cost between £450 - £1300, depending on the particular model, and if any other components need to be replaced. 

For example, if the dual mass flywheel needs replacing, you should typically estimate another £200-300 on top of the above figure.

Gearbox replacements can cost between £550 for a reconditioned manual one fitted, to over £3,000 for a new automatic unit. 

In some cases, the fault can be repaired without completely replacing the gearbox, but this will still typically cost at least £200-300 as it is likely to involve removing the gearbox.

How much are replacement MINI driveshafts or CV joints?

Replacing MINI driveshafts generally costs between £70 and £550, depending on whether just the CV boots need to be replaced or if the whole unit needs replacing.

Driveshafts transmit power from the gearbox to the wheels. To enable the necessary suspension travel, CV or 

 joints are used. These contain multiple bearings and are generally the reason a driveshaft needs to be replaced.

What are the main components of a car's drivetrain?

The term drivetrain refers to a collection of components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels. It incorporates:

The clutch is used to engage and disengage power from the engine to the gearbox. They are typically only found on manual gearbox cars, although some types of autos also use clutches. 

This is attached to the clutch and serves to smooth out power delivery, making the car easier to drive. Dual mass flywheels can sometimes cause issues, but solid ones generally do not need to be replaced.

Used to select the gear ratio, it is a complex assembly of multiple spinning shafts and many gears; some types of modern automatic gearboxes are even more complex still.

On Front Wheel Drive cars, the differential is built into the gearbox, but in rear-drive cars, such as most BMWs and others, it is a separate unit located underneath the boot. Its job is to allow the driven wheels to spin at different speeds, such as when turning. 

Are MINIs more expensive to repair than other car brands?

MINI repair costs are typically higher than the average, both in parts costs and labour rates.

Although MINI does make some performance models, such as the Cooper S and John Cooper Works editions, most of their cars are modestly powered and spec’d daily use vehicles, rather than luxury or high-performance cars. This is generally a good thing for repair costs.

However, as MINI is a subsidiary of BMW, parts costs can be expensive, as can labour rates. There are also a few common faults that can be a hit to your wallet, such as the N14 engine.

If your car does not need to be repaired at the dealer to maintain its warranty, it is advisable to use an independent specialist, which will have much lower labour rates. To help with the cost even further, check out Bumper’s zero-interest 

MINI Drivetrain Repair Costs

If your car's handbrake no longer works, or your car has failed its MOT on excessive handbrake travel, it’s possible you will need a new handbrake cable. This article will discuss how much that is likely to cost, and what to look out for.

On most cars, a handbrake cable will cost between £120 and £340 fitted. Although this can depend on the make and model of the car, and your location.

In general, handbrake cables are pretty simple devices that work roughly the same across most vehicles, so the main difference will be labour rates - i.e. where you take the car to be repaired.

 lets you split the cost into monthly payments, completely interest-free.

Much like the brake cables on a bicycle, the handbrake cable transfers force from the handbrake lever to the brake callipers or drums. This enables you to leave your car parked on a hill, or, in the event of brake failure, slow the car down. 

The cable itself is a metal braided cable running inside a plastic sleeve, with an adjustment mechanism near the lever.

Sometimes, when your handbrake is weak or faulty, the cable just needs adjusting. There is usually a place to do this near the handbrake lever, either under the car or inside the cabin, but it’s best left to the professionals to avoid incorrect adjustment.

However, the cables can become stretched, especially if the car is an older one. In this instance, there may not be enough adjustment travel left to get an effective handbrake force, and thus the cable will need to be replaced.

Does my electronic handbrake have a cable?

Electronic handbrakes use a button in the cabin and a motor on both rear wheel brake callipers to apply the handbrake. As such, they do not have a handbrake cable at all. 

If your electronic handbrake is not working properly, it will need investigating to find the source of the issue. It could be a faulty control module, motor or a seized calliper. 

A handbrake that is not effective will not stop your car from working, but you should not drive with a broken or ineffective handbrake. Not only does it cause issues when parked, but in the event of your main brakes failing, the handbrake still allows you to bring the car to a stop. 

This is the reason the handbrake is called an emergency brake in some regions. Furthermore, if your handbrake cable snaps, it could easily become entangled in a moving part or catch something on the road surface whilst driving.

Paying in affordable instalments can help lessen the impact of hefty car repair bills, especially at zero-per cent interest. Bumper offers just that, interest-free 

Handbrake Cable Replacement Cost

In cars with a cable-operated clutch, a broken cable can leave you stranded, unable to select or engage any gears. There are many symptoms that point to a broken or worn clutch cable. 

We'll go over the main ones in this article, along with discussing the potential costs of repairing a clutch cable.

Replacing a clutch cable costs between £250 - £600, depending on the type of car and location.

Because the types of cars that use a cable clutch tend to be smaller, more affordable ones, the parts are generally competitively priced, and often don’t take too long to replace. 

In many cases, the biggest cost of a clutch cable failing is in the recovery services needed to tow the car to a garage, as the car will no longer be drivable. 

Spread the cost of replacing your clutch cable with Bumper’s 

. Choose from hundreds of approved garages across the country and benefit from zero-per cent finance repayments.

Your car's clutch is a device that engages and disengages power from your car’s engine to the gearbox and, therefore, the wheels. The clutch cable operates this device by transferring force from the clutch pedal to the clutch mechanism.

Most modern cars use a hydraulic clutch, and cable-operated clutches are often found on older and smaller, more affordable cars, as they are cheaper to manufacture. 

A clutch cable is similar to that of a brake cable on a bicycle. It uses a braided steel cable that runs inside a housing, retained at both ends. 

Symptoms of a broken or worn clutch cable

Common symptoms of a broken or worn clutch cable are different from those of a worn clutch, the latter being when the friction material inside the clutch has worn away. Symptoms of a broken clutch cable can include:

A clutch cable can also be rusty, seized or simply worn out. It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and have the cable looked at before it snaps and leaves you stranded. These are the signs of a worn or problematic clutch cable:

Can a broken or worn clutch cable cause a clutch to slip?

Typically, a clutch will start slipping because the friction material on the clutch plate is wearing thin, not because a cable is worn or broken. 

However, a badly adjusted clutch cable, or one that is extremely worn, could cause similar problems if, for example, it wasn't allowing the clutch to release fully.

Can you drive with a broken or worn clutch cable?

If your clutch cable has snapped, it will be nigh on impossible to get the car into gear safely and without damaging the gearbox. Even if you can get it into gear or begin driving, a car with a broken clutch cable should not be driven.

A worn out, stiff or corroded clutch cable may still operate the clutch and allow you to drive, but if the pedal is particularly hard to press, or sometimes doesn’t pop back up after use, continuing to drive could cause the cable to snap, and leave you stranded. 

If your clutch cable or clutch is showing signs of extreme wear or degradation, you should look to have the parts replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly recovery bills. 

To help with those repair bills, consider using Bumper’s 

, you can take your vehicle to any number of pre-approved repair centres, and spread out the cost. Find an approved partner garage on our website.

Clutch Cable Repair Cost

Pedestrian protection systems are present on almost all cars nowadays. They are designed to reduce injury in speed collisions with pedestrians and cyclists, and have proved quite successful in testing and real-world scenarios. 

However, more electronic systems and sensors are not always a good thing for the owner's wallet, as repairs can be costly and time-consuming. In this article, we’ll take a look at what the pedestrian protection system does and how much it’s likely to cost you if it breaks. 

BMW pedestrian protection system repair costs

Repairing an issue with your BMW pedestrian protection system can cost anywhere from £120 to £2,500, depending on the source of the problem. 

Replacing the explosive bonnet hinges and resetting the system can cost upwards of £2,000 at BMW.

A simple software reset or update can sometimes fix erroneous warnings, which range from being free to £250. 

In some cases, such as a software glitch, a simple system recalibration is all that's needed; however, if anything has been damaged or the system has been activated in an accident, replacing the necessary components can cost thousands. 

 to split the cost of vehicle repairs into interest-free monthly payments online. 

What does the pedestrian warning system do?

BMW’s pedestrian protection system has functions to both reduce the likelihood of an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist, but also reduce the impact force in the event of an accident, with the active hood system. 

The active hood system lifts the bonnet using pyrotechnic charges – similar to those in airbags – to reduce the force experienced as the pedestrian impacts the bonnet of the car, creating a cushioned or sprung surface that absorbs the impact energy.

Sensors in the front of the bumper, combined with camera technology, detect when a person has been hit and ignite the pyrotechnic hinges. These hinges lift the rear of the bonnet around 4 inches (10cm) and then provide a reasonably compliant surface, in contrast to the fixed surface on an ordinary bonnet. 

Can the pedestrian protection system be reset?

With most car models, the PPS system needs both software and hardware resetting at the dealer if it has been activated. 

This is because new pyrotechnic hinges need to be installed, and the software reset to tell the car's ECU the system is okay to be re-armed, which, for safety reasons, cannot be done without dealer-level diagnostics tools.

BMW pedestrian protection system common faults

With a system as complex as this, you might expect lots of common issues and problems to be reported, but there are surprisingly few, with most problems arising due to drivers colliding with things!

If you’re facing a large bill for a pedestrian protection system repair, you can split the cost with Bumper’s 

. Apply online and choose from thousands of dependable repairers already on the Bumper network. 

BMW Pedestrian Protection System Repair Cost

If your car’s undertray is damaged and is either sagging or has been flagged on an MOT, it’s important to get it sorted ASAP. It provides a vital service, protecting the lifespan of many other components. 

This guide will discuss the costs of undertray repair and how best to approach it.

How much does it cost to repair an undertray?

Replacing an undertray costs between £150 and £600, depending on the car and the amount of damage sustained.

If your undertray is damaged but can be repaired, expect to pay between £30 and £100 for this quick fix.

As the prices stated above show, the cost of repairing/replacing a broken undertray will depend heavily on the level of damage, what type of car it's on, and also where you are in the country. 

What is a car undertray and what does it do?

A car's undertray helps to protect the bottom of the engine and the ancillary components, such as the alternator and air conditioning pump, from road dirt and water. 

Another key function of undertrays on certain cars is to improve cooling, as they help to keep a low-pressure zone in the engine compartment, improving flow through the engine's radiator.

In most cases, it is a thin, shaped panel made of plastic that attaches to the wheel arch liners on each side and the bumper at the front. On many cars, they need to be removed to work on the engine and do servicing. 

There are many ways an undertray can get damaged. Common ways include when driving over very rough terrain, entering very steep car parks, or even hitting large puddles or other hazards on the road. 

One of the common gripes from mechanics is that undertrays are often fitted with plastic pop-in fasteners as well as proper screws or bolts. These clips are easy to break when removing, and if left, can easily cause the undertray to hang lower than it should, making it even more susceptible to damage. 

It's highly advisable to replace a broken undertray to prolong the life of your car and reduce future bills. In general, car manufacturers don’t fit things that aren’t needed, and the undertray serves an important purpose of protecting your engine and related components. 

Whilst not having an undertray is unlikely to cause any immediate problems, it will vastly increase the amount of water, stones and road dirt that can get to vital parts of your engine, such as the auxiliary belt, alternator, power steering pump and radiators. 

None of these parts work well when subject to water and dirt, and as such, driving for a prolonged time – especially through winter – without an undertray could easily reduce their lifespan.

Why is replacing an undertray so expensive?

In some cases, replacing an undertray also requires other new parts, such as wheel arch liners or supporting bracketry; these can all raise the price of the repair. 

One factor that will massively affect the price is whether the replacement part is a genuine one or not - manufacturers differ in parts pricing, and certain luxury brands are known to be very costly.

If this is the case, it might be possible for your mechanic to find and fit a secondhand undertray, bought from a used spares or breakers yard - though this can come with its own challenges.

Car Undertray Repair Cost

Practical car care and repair advice for everyday drivers.

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