vcc.ca
HPAS 1240: Brake Systems and High Performance Brake
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course offers a comprehensive study of brake systems, focusing on the hydraulic brake systems. Students will learn to diagnose, service and replace hydraulic, drum, and disc brake systems. Students will also learn about power brake assist systems, understand the operation and components of anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control (TC) and dynamic stability control (DSC) systems, as well as the diagnosis and service of hubs and wheel bearings. The selection and use of appropriate tubing and fittings will be covered, as well as high-performance braking system modifications and components.
Credits
6.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
HPAS 1000.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Select and use appropriate tubing and fittings for brake systems, including cutting, bending, and flaring.
- Identify and describe the components of hydraulic brake systems, including disc and drum types, master cylinders, wheel cylinders, and calipers.
- Describe, diagnose and replace hydraulic brake systems, including inspection, service, and bleeding procedures.
- Describe, diagnose and replace drum and disc brake system components, including inspection, service and adjustments.
- Describe and service power brake assist systems such as vacuum and hydraulic types.
- Describe Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), including their operation and components, and diagnose and repair ABS.
- Describe Traction Control (TC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) operation.
- Describe, diagnose and service hubs and wheel bearings, including serviceable and non-serviceable bearings.
- Explain high performance braking system modifications and components such as calipers, pads, rotors and hoses.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 25
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 125
Total Hours: 150
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 125
Total Hours: 150
Instructional Strategies
Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting. The extensive workshop experience provides reinforcement of theoretical concepts, develops hand skills, and familiarity with repair procedures, electronic equipment and standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Assignments related to Brake systems. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Students are given final exam at the end of the course to assess their theoretical knowledge. |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Practical knowledge and skills are evaluated in the shop while students are working on training aids and customer vehicles. |
|
Participation |
10 |
Demonstrated engagement with course activities and discussions. |
Course topics
- Tubing and fitting
- Drum brake systems
- Disc brake systems
- Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
- Traction Control (TC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems
- Hubs and Wheel bearings
- High performance braking systems
Learning resources
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (Published by Pearson)
Moodle (LMS)
Moodle (LMS)
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.