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Occupation Details

Brake Mechanic


(Brake Technician)

Fact Sheet

Adjusting a car's brake system

Brake mechanics diagnose faults and repair, replace or overhaul and test the parts of disc, drum or power brake systems used on all types of motor vehicles.

Duties and Tasks

Brake mechanics may perform the following tasks:

  • work out faults in brake systems by talking to the vehicle operator and driving the vehicle, noting its performance
  • diagnose and correct anti-lock braking faults
  • examine brake units, including steel and flex hoses and handbrake cables, for wear, damage or possible failure, and repair or replace as required
  • measure brake drums and disc rotors to determine if wear or finished size is excessive
  • test brake units to make sure outputs are to the specified level (this includes electronics now widely used on late model vehicles and trailer/caravan brakes)
  • repair or replace leaky brake cylinders
  • attach new linings to brake shoes by bonding or riveting (this is a separate semi-skilled operation in some repair shops)
  • machine discs and drum brakes where indicated
  • fit the wheel onto the axle and adjust clearances
  • fill the master brake cylinder with brake fluid and then test
  • bleed the hydraulic brake system

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Driving or piloting a powered vehicle on road, rail, water or in the air is an essential or usual requirement of these jobs. Vehicles include cars, buses, aeroplanes, trucks, forklifts, ships, boats, etc. Jobs requiring driving are excluded.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs involve the daily handling of substances which may cause irritation to skin, eyes, etc., and may aggravate dermatitis or other medical conditions. Jobs that require handling of chemical or greasy items are excluded.
Daily lifting of items over 10 kilograms, with or without the use of mechanical aids, is a requirement of these jobs. Jobs requiring heavy lifting are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs involved in metal fitting and machining, forging, sheetmetal work, metal casting and finishing and other metal tradespersons, jobs in the electrical and electronics fields, such as fitting, appliance servicing, refrigeration and airconditioning, electrical mechanics, communications equipment, and jobs in the automotive industry.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Work Conditions

Brake mechanics may specialise in light or heavy vehicles. Some brake mechanics specialise in compressed air brake systems used by trucks, buses and semi-trailers.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy practical and manual work
  • mechanical aptitude
  • able to work accurately
  • free from skin allergies caused by oils, grease or petrol

Related Industries

Repair and Maintenance

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Motor Mechanics

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.