Description
Diagnose, service, and repair automotive braking systems, including hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic (ABS/ESC) components.
- • Road-test vehicles and evaluate brake performance, noise, pull, pulsation, and pedal feel.
- • Inspect brake systems and document wear, damage, leaks, and measurements.
- • Measure rotor thickness, drum diameter, runout, and pad/shoe lining thickness with micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators.
- • Replace and reline brake pads and shoes; clean and lubricate hardware and slide pins.
- • Resurface or replace brake rotors and drums using on-car or bench lathes.
- • Rebuild or replace calipers and wheel cylinders; service seals, pistons, and guide pins.
- • Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, including master cylinders, proportioning/combination valves, hoses, and steel lines.
- • Fabricate, bend, and flare brake lines; replace corroded or damaged sections to meet safety standards.
- • Bleed and flush brake systems using manual, vacuum, or pressure equipment; perform ABS bleed procedures with scan tools.
- • Test and repair vacuum or hydro-boost power brake assist systems; check for proper assist and leaks.
- • Service and adjust parking brake systems, including cables, drums-in-hat mechanisms, and foot or hand levers.
- • Diagnose and repair ABS/traction/stability control faults using OEM-level scan tools, oscilloscopes, and multimeters.
- • Replace wheel speed sensors, tone rings, brake pressure sensors, and ABS modules; perform coding or relearn procedures as required.
- • Test brake pedal switches and indicator circuits; repair wiring, connectors, and grounds related to brake systems.
- • Follow OEM specifications and torque procedures; verify braking performance meets manufacturer standards.
- • Prepare repair estimates and parts lists; explain findings and options to customers.
- • Review work orders, verify concerns, and plan brake service procedures using service manuals and TSBs.
- • Perform routine brake maintenance services and inspections at scheduled intervals.
- • Adjust drum brakes and parking brake cables to proper clearance and operation.
- • Apply anti-squeal treatments, shims, and proper pad bedding to resolve noise and vibration concerns.
- • Inspect wheel bearings and hubs for play and roughness; replace or torque to spec as required.
- • Check and correct hub and rotor lateral runout with shims or component replacement.
- • Inspect and replace brake fluid; test for contamination and copper content; select correct DOT fluid.
- • Ensure wheel and lug nut torque is correct after service; recheck torque when specified.
- • Maintain cleanliness of work area and prevent contamination of friction surfaces and brake fluid.
- • Adhere to safety procedures, including dust control and handling of brake cleaner and chemicals.
- • Document measurements, test results, and final road-test outcomes on repair orders.
- • Recommend brake system upgrades (e.g., heavy-duty pads, rotors, calipers) when appropriate to vehicle use.
- • Coordinate with parts and service advisors to source correct components and communicate timelines.
- • Keep current with new brake technologies, electric parking brakes, and hybrid/EV service procedures.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
