AMT 53 Brakes

Course Description

  • Prerequisite or Corequisite: AMT 20, PHYS 56
  • Corequisite: AMT 20 and AMT 55
  • AMT majors only

This course covers shop safety, related tools, fundamental principles of operation and practical application needed to perform repairs to automotive braking systems. Various mechanical, hydraulic, vacuum, electrical, and computer devices incorporated in the automobile’s braking system will be covered. They include an introduction to Anti-lock Braking Systems manufactured by Teves, Bosch, Delco, and Kelsey-Hayes along with established troubleshooting and service procedures. Course includes live work.

Text and References

Harper Collins/Check Chart, Automotive Brake Systems, 3rd edition
Manufacturer’s Service Manuals, Mitchell Manuals, Chilton Manuals, Motor Manuals

Course Goals

  • The goals of this course are to prepare the students with the skills and competencies necessary for a successful career as an automotive brake technician;
  • to instill in the student the work habits and attitude necessary to work in a highly competitive field;
  • to provide the student with the basic skills necessary to become a lifelong learner in order to keep abreast of the latest technological changes in the automobile.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of AMT 53, the student will be able to:

  • Work independently and inter-dependently in an automotive repair facility
  • Function safely in an automotive environment
  • Communicate effectively to gather and convey industry related information
  • Operate automotive equipment and specialty tools
  • Perform all of the NATEF tasks that are outlined in each section listed below. Refer to the NATEF task list on website for a complete list of individual tasks.
    1. General Brake System Diagnosis
    2. Hydraulic System Diagnosis and Repair
    3. Drum Brake Diagnosis and Repair
    4. Disc Brake Diagnosis and Repair
    5. Power Assist Units Diagnosis and Repair
    6. Miscellaneous (Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical I, etc.) Diagnosis and Repair
    7. Antilock Brake and Traction Control Systems

Module Names

  • Brake System Overview
  • Brake Legal and Health issues
  • Principles of Brake Operation
  • Shop Practices and Special Tools and Supplies
  • Brake Fluid and Lines
  • Pedal Assemblies and Master Cylinders
  • Hydraulic Valves and Brake Caliper Hydraulics
  • Hydraulic Component Service
  • Wheel Bearing and Wheel Service
  • Drum Brake Friction Assemblies
  • Drum Brake Service
  • Disc Brake Friction Assemblies
  • Disc Brake Service
  • Brake Shoes and Pads
  • Brake Drum and Rotor Theory
  • Brake Drum and Rotor Service
  • Parking Brakes
  • Power Brakes
  • Anti-Lock Brake Systems
  • Anti-Lock Brake Service
  • The Brake System and Vehicle Suspension
  • Diagnostics

Student Contributions

Physical ability: The students physical requirements include the eye-hand coordination necessary to make precision repairs and to avoid unnecessary material losses and personal injury.

Teamwork: The students will be required to work in teams to complete tasks and live jobs. Failure to work with others will affect ones grade.

Dress code: The AMT program requires that students dress to standards that of the professional automotive industry. Students are expected to be work ready at all times. More dress requirements will be discussed in detail on the first day of class.

Tool requirements: The students will be responsible to bring the AMT basic tool set and other required tools to school when instructed. Failure to comply will affect students grade.

Attitude: Students will be expected to have a learning attitude. The students with or without automotive experience shall be treated equally.

Grading Policy

Attendance: Students will maintain a time card per NATEF requirements. Each tardy (to class and from breaks) and absence will result in point deduction from final accumulated grade points. Three tardies will equal one absence. Absence of three days will result in a failing grade. Students tardies resulting in missing the morning lecture or one and one half hour late will result in an absent.

Point system: All assignments – homework, worksheets, and quizzes are be tabulated into final points. All work turned in late will result in a 50% deduction in points. No make-up will be possible on certain lab work. Any score below 65% on the final written or practical exam will not be allowed and result in a failing grade regardless of student progress, no make up exams allowed and Student must retake course.

Final Grading

  • 60 % Shop work/exercises
    • 25% Practical Final Exam
    • 25% Work Habits
    • 10% Lab work/Worksheets
  • 40% Classroom work and assignments
    • 20% Written Final Exam
    • 15% Module Exams
    • 5% Homework

Grading Structure

  • A = 90 to 100%
  • B = 80 to 89%
  • C = 70 to 79%
  • F = Below 70%