technology FEATURE
on a mission
Alfred Teves Brake Systems (ATE), a member of the Metair Group, is a
South African company on a very important mission: to train and upskill the
country’s technicians.
➲ The new training prop is fully
A
functional, and is smaller, lighter
and easier to transport than ATE’s
bigger, wheeled version used at
Partinform
TE not only provides
invaluable training at
the various Partinform
venues every year, the company
also travels to businesses
countrywide, training technicians
on brake systems, for as many
as 200 days in a given year.
and bad practices that have
unfortunately perforated the
South African car service
industry.
Today’s cars incorporate
complex technology that
requires technicians to be
properly trained, to understand
and maintain.
While best practices are skillfully
demonstrated, the training
provided (free of charge) by ATE
is somewhat of a physics lesson.
ATE brake systems
Modern brake systems have
electronic control systems to
enhance efficiency but
the basic hydraulic
system and foundation
brakes of a vehicle
cannot work properly
if it’s not inspected, serviced,
and maintained correctly.
ATE’s training programme is
very comprehensive, dealing
with every aspect of the modern
braking system. The duration of a
training session is approximately
three hours, depending on the
amount of questions posed by
participants.
Discussions and recommendations
for best practices are aided by the
use of fully-operational visual aids and
functioning test props. The ATE trainers
also highlight the need to use the correct
tools, equipment and products for
whatever job is at hand.
Participants are encouraged to ask
questions, while the trainer’s main
objective is to dispel possible untruths
Topics include the brake
pedal, vacuum booster,
master cylinder, brake
lines, brake fluid, brake
calipers, pads and
discs and brake drum
and lining assemblies,
amongst others.
The training is
performed by qualified
ATE technical personnel
and is a hands-on
experience.
The basic principles of an
hydraulic system, vacuum
boosting and even Newton’s third
law is explained and discussed
to help participants have a
better understanding of the
various components in a braking
system and how they interact.
The correct use of tools to maintain and
diagnose a brake system also forms part
of the extensive training programme.
Approved products such as ATE Plastilube
are endorsed by the facilitators. This is
strongly recommended when installing
brake pads and guide pins to prevent
unwanted squeal or noise and to properly
lubricate components. Similar braking
components are shown and compared to
highlight different maintenance
procedures that may apply.
An example of this is the various
designs of brake calipers: fixed,
floating and fist type, each with
its own functionality and repair/
replacement procedure.
➲ Technicians are encouraged to participate and ask questions
| words in action
30
november 2014
Companies and business
owners interested in ATE’s
training initiative, should contact
their distributor, who in turn
will refer them to an ATE sales
representative.