Nov/Dec 2023

THE NYERI NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

QUALIFICATION CODE : 0715341/A

QUALIFICATION : AUTOMOTIVE MECHATRONICS TECHNICIAN
UNIT CODE : 0715341/05/A
UNIT OF COMPETENCY : SERVICE MOTOR VEHICLE BRAKING
SYSTEM
CLASS : AMT5/23/S1

ASSESSOR’S GUIDE
This assessment requires you to demonstrate competence against unit of competency: basic
electrical principles.
In this assessment you are required to answer written questions.
Instructions to the assessor:
Time allocated is 2 hours to answer questions in Section A and B.
Marks for each question are indicated in the brackets ().

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This paper consists of FOUR (5) printed pages.

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SECTION A (10MKS)
In this section, correct answer for each question carries 1 mark.
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. C
8. C
9. C
10. B

SECTION B (40 MARKS)

The following are suggested answers to act as guidelines
11. State THREE purposes and operation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in a
vehicle. (4 Marks)
a) Sensing wheel speed using sensors on each wheel.
b) Modulating brake pressure to individual wheels to prevent them from locking
up.
c) Allowing the driver to maintain steering control while still slowing down the
vehicle.
d) ABS improves braking performance on slippery surfaces and during panic stops,
reducing the risk of accidents.

12. What is the purpose of the brake booster in a hydraulic braking system, and how does it
operate? (2 Marks)
Answer: The brake booster, also known as a vacuum or power brake booster,
enhances the force applied by the driver on the brake pedal. It operates by using
engine vacuum to assist in brake pedal application, making it easier for the driver
to generate hydraulic pressure in the braking system. This boost in pressure
ensures effective braking with less physical effort from the driver.

13. Explain the difference between disc brakes and drum brakes. (4 Marks)
a) Disc Brakes: Disc brakes use a hydraulic system to squeeze brake pads against a
rotating disc (rotor) to generate friction and slow down the vehicle. They are

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known for better heat dissipation and are typically more efficient, making them
the preferred choice for front-wheel brakes and high-performance vehicles.

b) Drum Brakes: Drum brakes use a hydraulic system to press brake shoes against
the inner surface of a rotating drum to create friction and slow down the vehicle.
They are commonly used as rear-wheel brakes in many vehicles and are simpler
but less efficient compared to disc brakes.

14. List SIX main components of a typical hydraulic braking system? (6 Marks)
a) Brake pedal
b) Brake booster (optional)
c) Master cylinder
d) Brake lines and hoses
e) Brake calipers (or wheel cylinders)
f) Brake pads (or brake shoes)
g) Brake rotors (or brake drums

15. What are some common maintenance procedures for a drum braking system, and why
are they important? (5 Marks)
a) Brake Inspection: Regularly inspecting the brake components for wear, damage,
and proper operation is crucial to ensure safe braking.
b) Brake Shoe Replacement: Replacing worn brake shoes when they reach their
minimum thickness is essential for maintaining effective braking.
c) Drum Resurfacing: If the brake drum surface becomes scored or uneven, it may
need to be resurfaced or replaced to ensure proper contact with the brake shoes.
d) Wheel Cylinder Inspection: Checking for leaks or corrosion in the wheel
cylinder and replacing it if necessary to prevent brake fluid loss and potential
brake failure.
e) Brake Fluid Replacement: Regularly changing brake fluid helps maintain
proper hydraulic function in the wheel cylinders.

16. List and explain the basic components of a drum braking system in a vehicle. (4 Marks)
a) Brake Drum: A cylindrical metal component mounted on each wheel hub.
b) Brake Shoes: Curved metal plates with friction linings that press against the
inner surface of the brake drum.
c) Wheel Cylinder: A hydraulic component that pushes the brake shoes outward
when brake fluid pressure is applied.
d) Brake Springs: Springs that return the brake shoes to their resting position
when not engaged.

17. State the main function of a master cylinder in the braking system. (2 Marks)
Function of a Master Cylinder in a Braking System:
The primary function of the master cylinder is to convert mechanical force applied
by the driver's foot on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic

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pressure is then transmitted through the brake lines to the brake calipers (in disc
brake systems) or wheel cylinders (in drum brake systems) at each wheel. The
hydraulic pressure created by the master cylinder is what ultimately causes the
brake pads or shoes to press against the brake rotors or drums, generating friction
and slowing down the vehicle.

18. List and briefly describe four main types of braking systems used in motor vehicles.
(6 Marks)
a) Hydraulic Braking System: The hydraulic braking system is the most common
type in motor vehicles. It uses brake fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal
to the brake calipers (in disc brakes) or wheel cylinders (in drum brakes) at
each wheel. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is
created, causing the brake pads or shoes to press against the brake rotors or
drums, generating friction and slowing down the vehicle.
b) Pneumatic (Air) Braking System: Pneumatic braking systems are commonly
found in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. They use compressed air to
transmit force from the brake pedal to the brake components. When the driver
applies the brakes, air pressure activates the brake chambers, which in turn
apply force to the brake shoes or pads.
c) Electromagnetic (Regenerative) Braking System: Electromagnetic braking
systems are used in hybrid and electric vehicles. They utilize the electric motor's
ability to act as a generator during deceleration or braking. When the driver
lifts off the accelerator pedal or applies the brakes, the electric motor generates
electricity, which is then sent back to the battery. This system helps recover
energy and improve overall efficiency.
d) Mechanical (Cable) Braking System: Some older and smaller vehicles, as well as
bicycles, use mechanical braking systems. These systems employ cables to
transmit the force from the brake lever or pedal to the brake calipers or brake
shoes. When the cable is pulled, it tightens, causing the brakes to engage and
slow down the vehicle.

19. Describe the role of brake fluid in a hydraulic braking system. What can happen if the
brake fluid is neglected or contaminated? (3 Marks)
Brake fluid is essential for transferring force from the brake pedal to the brake
calipers or wheel cylinders.
Neglected or contaminated brake fluid can lead to reduced braking performance,
brake fade, and corrosion within the braking system. Regular maintenance and
brake fluid replacement are crucial to ensure system reliability.

20. State FOUR advantages of drum braking system in a motor vehicle. (4 Marks)
a) Cost-Effective: Drum brakes are generally less expensive to manufacture and
repair than disc brakes, making them a cost-effective choice for many vehicles.

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b) Simplicity: Drum brakes have a simpler design with fewer components

compared to disc brakes, which can lead to lower maintenance costs and ease of
servicing.
c) Self-Adjustment: Many drum brake systems are equipped with self-adjusting
mechanisms. These mechanisms automatically compensate for brake shoe wear
over time, ensuring consistent and effective braking performance.
d) Parking Brake Integration: Drum brakes are commonly used for parking brakes
because they can be easily incorporated into the rear wheel hubs, simplifying the
parking brake system.
e) Durability: Drum brakes are known for their durability and resistance to
environmental elements, making them suitable for various weather conditions.
f) Less Susceptible to Debris: The enclosed design of drum brakes offers protection
against debris and contaminants, which can help maintain brake performance in
challenging conditions.
g) Wide Range of Applications: Drum brakes are versatile and can be used in
various types of vehicles, from passenger cars to trucks and buses.

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