A method and device for a vehicle having wheels which are each assigned a sensor for generating wheel signals. The unit determines whether a wheel is affected by a failure of the corresponding wheel signal. The unit acquires wheel signals which are assigned to the wheels, and for a wheel affected by a wheel signal failure, the corresponding wheel signal is acquired in the form of a substitute signal. The unit calculates a target brake pressure for a wheel at which an increase in brake pressure is necessary. The increase in brake pressure takes place in accordance with the wheel signal which is obtained for the wheel and in accordance with the determination as to whether the wheel is affected by a wheel signal failure. The unit further determines a slip threshold for an anti-lock brake control operation applied to the wheel affected by the wheel signal failure.