Analyzing and Evaluating Light Vehicle Braking Systems

This text discusses the objective, specifications, hazards, and components of light vehicle braking systems. It also provides steps to analyze and evaluate faults with suitable tools and equipment. The text emphasizes the importance of workplace procedures to manage risks and minimize the impacts of the workshop on the environment.

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BRAKING SYSTEM IN LIGHT VEHICLES
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TASK 1
1. The objective of analysing and evaluating light vehicle braking systems from
workplace instruction.
 Firstly, to test a braking system on a light vehicle for faults.
 Secondly, to locate faulty parts of a braking system (Dante, 2016).
 Lastly, to rectify faulty parts of a faulty braking system.
2. Specifications one can use when analysing and evaluating faults in light vehicle
braking systems.
 Firstly, use service information like installation and service procedures, manufacturer
instructions and specification, or technical terms and instructions (Adams, 2012).
 Secondly, the use of suitable tools and equipment like roller blade testers and
decelerators.
3. What is a brake fault?
This is a problem in the braking system that usually warrants immediate attention in order to
avoid an accident or further breakdown.
Examples
 Firstly, brake warning light on is caused by a faulty sensor or faulty master cylinder
meaning that the brakes are not fully functional (Chris, 2011).
 Secondly, the auto-locking braking system (ABS) warning light on means that if one
brakes hard the wheels might lock up as a result of an existing fault where the ABS
braking system was fitted.

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 Thirdly, worn out rear brake pads that make the handbrake weak and ineffective.
 Lastly, when a brake squeal’s it is normally caused by worn retaining pins or the
usage of incorrect brake pads.
4. Hazards associated with the fixing brakes. How workplace procedures can be used to
manage risks.
 There are health and safety hazards involved and can be monitored by using safe
operating procedures and systems of work (Vijay, 2010).
 One can suffer injuries that can be minimized by the use of personal protective
equipment.
5. Evaluation criteria to assess faulty braking systems.
 The relevance of fixing the braking systems rather than replacing it.
 How long will the brake system be used after repair.
 The overall impacts of fixing the braking system (Tom W., 2008).
 The economic cost of fixing the brake system.
 The effectiveness of the faulty brake system.
6. Steps in analysing and evaluating faults with the braking system of a light vehicle.
 Select suitable tools and equipment that are to be used in testing the braking system.
 While the engine is still running and the vehicle stationary, the operation of the brake
pedal is tested.
 The vehicle is then taken for a road test to check the braking performance.
 The results of the tests are analysed and probable cause of the braking fault
determined.

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7. Three testing equipment that one can use to check a faulty braking system.
 Roller brake testers are used to measure the values of the brake force of the vehicle
using a mechanical floor unit. It also measures the braking force of individual wheels
as well as the parking brake.
 Plate brake testers are used to measure brake imbalance between the right and a left
wheel of a vehicle using the force transducers placed under the chassis.
 Decelerometers is used to measure the brake performance of a vehicle using
efficiency deceleration readings obtained while on a road test.
8. Tools used during the diagnostic procedure of a faulty braking system.
 A Jack is a mechanical device that is used by humans to lift vehicles so as to perform
maintenance work. Jacks can either be a car jack, floor jack or garage jack.
 An advanced bleeding tool is used to pinpoint blockages and remove air from the
system.
 A line lock is used to show pulsating, low pedal, pull and noise problems.
9. Light vehicle braking system components.
 Brake pad
The most common indicator of a damaged brake pad is the squealing sound it
produces when stopping the vehicle (Tom N., 2011).
 Brake master cylinder
The brake system will not respond as quickly as expected.
 Brake lines and hoses
This will cause a spongy pedal due to air in the system.

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 Anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module
If there is a fault in the ABS braking system then the ABS light will turn on
 Brake fluid
A leak in the braking fluid will turn the braking light on the make and the brake
function to be less effective.
10. Different steps of the analytical and evaluative methodology of locating the fault.
 Firstly, the wheels are removed to give access to the vehicle braking system
components using a car jack to raise the vehicle and a socket wrench to loosen nuts to
remove the wheels safely (Joseph, 2009).
 The components of the hydraulic brake components are then inspected first inspected.
 This is by checking for operation and damage of associated hoses and valves and the
brake booster (Deanna, 2008).
 The parking brake system is then checked if it is broken, worn out, corroded, or bent.
 The mechanical brake components are then checked.
 These involve brake pads, automatic adjusters, back plates and springs and are
inspected for any distortion, wear or scouring.
 Finally, the hydraulic cylinders are taken out, disjointed and checked for any wear,
corrosion or damage (E, 2011).
11. Negative outcomes if tests are not carried according to workplace procedure.
 The safety of others is on the line as standard procedures will not have been followed
and can result in an accident during road tests causing injury to the public.

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 Suitable tools and equipment might not be used in testing, locating and fixing any
brake faults causing major problems in the fitting of the braking components (Tad,
2017).
 The personal safety of the one carrying out tests is at risk as a protocol like wearing
protective clothing can be ignored.
12. Verifying a fault in line with the manufacturer’s specifications.
This will involve accessing a hard copy of the service information from the manufacturer.
The document will provide the technical data of the car, servicing procedures and detailed
instructions.
13. Examples of braking faults.
 Spongy brake pedal
This is normally caused by limited brake fluid in the master cylinder or contamination
of the brake lines by air.
Solution: This indicates that there is a fault in fitting and is avoided by ensuring that a
qualified brake fitter services the brakes. Also, ensure that the master cylinder is filled
to the appropriate level and the brake line is bled before use.
 Brake Drag
This means that the brakes may be adjusted too tightly.
Solution: Repair by allowing enough clearance between the lining and the drum.
 Brake pull
This is caused by the brake fluid contaminating brake pads and linings.
Solution: Clean the brake pads and linings (James, 2016).

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14. N/A
15. N/A
16. Safety and environmental requirements to minimise the impacts of the workshop on
the environment.
 Firstly, transfer used oil to a drum for recycling (Quentin, 2014).
 Secondly, all the hazardous material like used batteries should not be put in the trash
that is being taken for landfills but should be stored away and covered using a tarp
(Jian, 2018).
 Thirdly, used rags used in cleaning spills and drips should be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly manner.
 Lastly, there should be a secondary containment system for holding of waste fluids
like oils, and transmission fluids.
17. How do you ensure that tools and equipment are checked and stored after every
repair job?
 All tools are to be cleaned after a job.
 All portable tools are to be returned to their correct storage places after use.
 Ensure the workshop is clean and every day after work is done (Karim, 2000).
18. Importance of creating workplace documentation after a repair.
 The use of documentation enables one to keep track of all maintenance work done.
 It can act as evidence in case of any claims by a customer.

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 It can be used to produce a maintenance schedule for vehicles (Lawrence, 2018).
Bibliography

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Dante, R. (2016). Handbook of Friction Materials and their Applications. New York: Woodhead
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E, D. (2011). Suspension and Steering. Boston: Cengage Learning.
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Joseph, M. (2009). Automative Bodywork & Rust Repair. London: CarTech Press.
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