ASEP 105 - Brakes Level 1

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

1. Diagnose and complete Level 1 ASE Education Foundation tasks as listed below:

A. Research vehicle service information such as fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

B. Identify brake system components and configurations.

C. Retrieve and record DTCs, OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.

D. Describe procedure for performing a road test to check brake system operation, including an anti-lock brake system (ABS).

E. Install wheel and torque lug nuts.

I. Hydraulic System related Tasks:

A. Demonstrate understanding of hydraulic principals (Pascal's law).

B. Describe proper brake pedal height, travel, and feel.

C. Check master cylinder for proper operation.

D. Inspect brake lines, flexible hoses, and fittings for leaks, dents, kinks, rust, cracks, bulging, wear, and loose fittings/supports.

E. Select, handle, store, and fill brake fluids to proper level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.

F. Identify components of hydraulic brake warning light system.

G. Bleed and/or replace fluid in the brake system.

H. Test brake fluid for contamination.

II. Drum Brakes related Tasks:

A. Remove, clean, and inspect brake drum; measure brake drum diameter; determine serviceability.

B. Refinish brake drum and measure final drum diameter; compare with specification.

C. Remove, clean, inspect, and/or replace brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, other related brake hardware, and backing support plates; lubricate and reassemble.

D. Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and proper operation; remove and replace as needed.

E. Pre-adjust brake shoes and parking brake; install brake drums or drum/hub assemblies and wheel bearings; perform final checks and adjustments.

III. Disc Brakes related Tasks:

A. Remove and clean caliper assembly; inspect for leaks and damage, and wear.

B. Inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage.

C. Remove, inspect, and/or replace brake pads and retaining hardware.

D. Lubricate and reinstall caliper, brake pads, and related hardware; seat brake pads against rotor; inspect for leaks.

E. Clean and inspect rotor and mounting surface, measure rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout.

F. Remove and reinstall/replace rotor.

G. Refinish rotor on vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.

H. Refinish rotor off vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.

I. Retract and re-adjust caliper piston on an integrated parking brake system.

J. Describe importance of operating vehicle to burnish/break-in replacement brake pads according to manufacturer’s recommendation.

IV. Power-Assist Units related Tasks:

A. Check brake pedal travel with and without engine running to verify proper power booster operation.

B. Identify components of the brake power assist system (vacuum/ hydraulic/electric).

V. Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) related Tasks:

A. Remove, clean, inspect, repack/replace, and install wheel bearings; remove and install bearing races; replace seals; install hub and adjust bearings.

B. Check parking brake system components for wear, binding, and corrosion; clean, lubricate, adjust and/or replace as needed.

C. Check parking brake operation (including electric parking brakes); check parking brake indicator light system operation.

D. Check operation of brake stop light system.

E. Inspect and replace wheel studs.

VI. Electronic Brake Control Systems: Antilock Brake (ABS), Traction Control (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Systems related Tasks:

A. Identify electronic brake control system components and describe function (ABS, TCS, ESC).

B. Describe the operation of a regenerative braking system.