• 🌟 Welcome to "Introduction to Braking Systems"! 🚗

    A warm welcome to all learners joining this exciting course! 😊 We're thrilled to have you explore the fundamentals of braking systems - a crucial topic for anyone stepping into the automotive world, whether you're aiming for a career in mechanics, engineering, or simply want to understand how those vital brakes on your vehicle work.

Available courses

VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Course description

 
This course provides a comprehensive overview of automotive braking systems, focusing on their function, components, types, and service procedures. Students will learn the principles of friction and hydraulics that enable a vehicle to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy and stop safely. The course covers hydraulic and power brake systems, traditional drum and disc brakes, and modern anti-lock braking systems (ABS). 
 
 
Course objectives
 
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
 
  • Explain the fundamental principles of friction, hydraulics, and energy conversion as they relate to a vehicle's braking system.
  • Identify and describe the function of all major brake system components, including the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, drums, and shoes.

Differentiate between drum and disc brake systems, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each.Diagnose and repair common issues in both hydraulic and mechanical brake systems.Measure brake rotors and drums for wear and determine the correct corrective action according to manufacturer specifications.Inspect, service, and replace components in modern anti-lock braking systems (ABS).Service and adjust parking brake systems.Perform brake system inspections, check fluid levels, and identify leaks and contamination.  

 

Key topics covered

 

  • Braking fundamentals: The conversion of kinetic energy into heat energy, the principles of hydraulics and Pascal's Law, and how these concepts apply to stopping a vehicle.
  • Hydraulic systems: The function of the master cylinder, brake fluid, brake lines and hoses, and wheel cylinders.
  • Disc brake systems: The components and operation of calipers, brake pads, and rotors, including inspection and service procedures.
  • Drum brake systems: The function of the backing plate, brake shoes, wheel cylinder, drum, and self-adjusting mechanisms.
  • Power assist systems: How vacuum boosters amplify the driver's force on the brake pedal to improve braking performance.
  • Anti-lock braking systems (ABS): The purpose and operation of ABS, including wheel speed sensors, the electronic control unit (ECU), and the hydraulic control unit.
  • Parking brakes: The mechanical components and operation of emergency or parking brake systems.
  • Safety and diagnosis: Proper techniques for bleeding brakes, inspecting components for wear, and troubleshooting common brake system problems, such as brake fade and uneven braking.