vcc.ca
HMEC 1035: Truck and Heavy Equipment Brakes
Effective date
May 2026
Department
Heavy Duty/Commercial Tranport
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces students to servicing, diagnosing, and repairing of brakes and parking brake systems found in heavy mechanical equipment, such as loaders, graders, and trucks and cars. Topics included are from SkilledTradesBC. Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation Program (2025) sections B1, B2 and B3.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe principles of braking, foundation brakes, hydraulics of a brake system, and parking brake systems (B1)
- Select and maintain brake fluids (B1)
- Service, diagnose and repair hydraulic brake systems and perform preventative maintenance (B1)
- Service park brake systems (B1)
- Describe, diagnose, and repair power brake systems and hydraulic anti-lock braking systems (B2)
- Describe the principles of pneumatics, a basic air brake system, air over hydraulic brakes, and air brake chambers (B3)
- Inspect, service, and repair air brakes and foundation brakes (B3)
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer lab and hands-on practical work.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
50 |
Includes: quizzes, assignments and summative evaluation |
|
Lab Work |
50 |
Practical assignments (e.g., preparation, task completion, cleanup, document writing-service report) |
Course topics
- Principles of braking
- Foundation brakes
- Hydraulic brakes
- Air brakes
- Anti-lock brakes
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.