Drum Brakes Course: Adjustment and Resurfacing
Online 300-hour course in drum brakes: adjustment and resurfacing. 6 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 13-H (passenger car braking), UNECE Regulation No. 90 (replacement brake linings) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Drum Brakes Course: Adjustment and Resurfacing — studying from Malta
Malta's rich heritage, including historic buildings, vintage vehicles and maritime craft, creates a niche for restoration and conservation work. Owners of classic cars, motorcycles and boats seek specialist workshops with knowledge of period engineering and materials. Restoration of historic architecture also requires engineers and technicians familiar with traditional construction methods and conservation rules. Opportunities tend to be found with specialist workshops, heritage organisations and private restorers.
Fees for Malta: €797 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a recognised professional body in Malta for restoration and classic vehicle engineering?
Malta does not have a single state-regulated profession for classic vehicle restoration. Vehicle registration and roadworthiness are handled by Transport Malta. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition is determined by employers, clients or the relevant body, so check these before enrolling.
What work could restoration engineers find in Malta?
Malta has a niche market for classic vehicle restoration, mainly through independent workshops, specialist garages and private collectors. Work is often built on reputation and practical craftsmanship. Whether a private online qualification adds value is for individual clients and employers to judge, so it is best to consider it alongside your hands-on experience.
Can I study this part-time with a workshop job, and is funding possible?
Yes. The programmes are fully online, taught in English and suitable for study from home, without needing a student visa. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain how simplex, duplex and servo drum brakes work.
Dismantle drum brakes and diagnose the condition of drums, shoes and wheel cylinders.
Resurface drums while respecting the manufacturer's diameter limits.
Select and fit suitable linings and shoes.
Assemble, adjust and bleed the system correctly.
Verify braking efficiency on road test and on a roller brake tester.
Draw up a drum brake maintenance plan.
Who it's for
- Brake mechanic for classic vehicles who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Machining technician who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Restorer of historic vehicles who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Vehicle technical inspector who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Historic competition preparer who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Brake parts technician who wants to specialise in Drum Brakes: Adjustment and Resurfacing.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 13-H (passenger car braking)
- UNECE Regulation No. 90 (replacement brake linings)
- ISO 4925 (non-petroleum-based brake fluids)
- SAE J1703 (motor vehicle brake fluid)
- ISO 611 (vehicle braking terminology)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (technical inspection of vehicles)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Architecture and variants1.2Primary and secondary shoes1.3Self-locking and duo-servo systems1.4Single and double wheel cylinders1.5Cams and mechanical expanders1.6Integrated parking brake1.7Advantages and limitations compared with disc brakes1.8Documentation and dimensions1.9Symptoms of a faulty drum brake1.10Workshop: identifying the system on a vehicle
2.1Removing the drum2.2Springs, pins and specific tools2.3Inspecting linings and rivets2.4Measuring lining thickness2.5Drum condition and diameter2.6Ovality and taper2.7Wheel cylinders: leaks and seizing2.8Hub bearings and seals2.9Grease or fluid contamination2.10Practice: dismantling and measurement sheet
3.1Maximum permissible diameter3.2Resurfacing the drum3.3Balancing after machining3.4Cracks and their detection3.5Cast iron and bimetallic drums3.6Discontinued drums and alternatives3.7Surface finish after machining3.8Dimensional control after resurfacing3.9Marking the final diameter3.10Practice: specifying a resurfacing job
4.1Asbestos-free friction materials4.2Relining: bonding and riveting4.3Machining the lining to the drum4.4Adjusting the curvature4.5Friction coefficient and its effect4.6Compatibility between axles4.7Replacement shoes and their quality4.8Storing parts4.9Quality control of relining4.10Practice: relining and machining a set
5.1Cleaning the backplate and greasing contact points5.2Fitting springs and pins5.3New or rebuilt wheel cylinders5.4Manual and automatic adjustment5.5Centring the shoes5.6Bleeding the circuit5.7Adjusting the parking brake5.8Bedding-in5.9Checking for brake drag5.10Practice: complete assembly and adjustment
6.1Testing on a brake tester6.2Permissible efficiency and imbalance6.3Road testing6.4Diagnosing noise and vibration6.5Periodic maintenance6.6Low-mileage vehicles and drum corrosion6.7Common workshop errors6.8Safety and liability6.9Documented real-world cases6.10Final project: drum brakes inspected and documented
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel, AutoCAD, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for resurfacing drums on a lathe, measuring diameters and ovality, and roller brake testers. Assessment is continuous across each module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain how simplex, duplex and servo drum brakes work.
Dismantle drum brakes and diagnose the condition of drums, shoes and wheel cylinders.
Resurface drums while respecting the manufacturer's diameter limits.
Select and fit suitable linings and shoes.
Assemble, adjust and bleed the system correctly.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses advanced Excel, AutoCAD and MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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