Brake mechanics diagnose faults, and then repair, replace, overhaul and test the parts of disc, drum or power brake systems used on all types of motor vehicles.
Personal requirements for a Brake Mechanic
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Mechanical aptitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Able to work accurately.
Duties & Tasks of a Brake Mechanic
Brake mechanics may perform the following tasks:
- Determine faults in brake systems by talking to the vehicle operator and driving the vehicle, noting its performance, or by reading data from the vehicle's computer control system
- Diagnose and correct anti-lock braking faults
- Examine brake units (including steel and flex hoses and handbrake cables) for wear, damage or possible failure, and repair or replace as required
- Measure brake drums and disc rotors to determine if wear or finished size is excessive
- Test brake units to ensure outputs reach the specified level (this includes electronics now widely used on late model vehicles and trailer or caravan brakes)
- Repair or replace leaky brake cylinders
- Attach new linings to brake shoes by bonding or riveting (this is a separate semi-skilled operation in some repair shops)
- Machine discs and drum brakes where indicated
- Fit wheels onto hubs and tighten wheel fixings to specified torque
- Ensure brake systems are filled with correct brake fluid and are functioning correctly
- Bleed the hydraulic brake system.
Specializations
Brake mechanics may specialise in light or heavy vehicles. Some brake mechanics specialise in compressed air brake systems used by trucks, buses and semi-trailers.
