Diploma in Drums and Discs: Machining, Bedding and Balancing
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in brake drums and discs: machining, bedding and balancing. Structured in 8 modules covering friction brake systems, disc and drum metrology, disc and drum machining, bedding-in, wheel and rotating mass balancing, and brake hydraulics, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Drums and Discs: Machining, Bedding and Balancing — studying from the United Kingdom
Classic vehicle restoration is a notable niche in the United Kingdom, supported by specialist workshops, heritage motoring events and a strong enthusiast community. Centres such as Bicester Heritage, Gaydon and the Midlands host restoration businesses, parts suppliers and engineering services for historic cars and motorcycles. Knowledge of historic materials, classic engine systems and conservation standards is valued. Organisations such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the Historic Vehicle Scheme support the sector.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £1,250 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Is there a UK professional body or regulation for classic vehicle restoration engineering?
Restoration is largely unregulated in the UK, with no statutory title for classic vehicle restorers. Relevant organisations include the Institute of the Motor Industry and specialist classic car clubs, which offer their own training and recognition. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by any national body, so their standing with these organisations is for them to decide.
Do UK classic car restorers, dealers or auction houses value private online engineering training?
The UK classic car sector tends to value hands-on craftsmanship, documented restoration projects and reputation. A private qualification may complement this by showing technical study, but it is unlikely to be the main factor in hiring or client decisions. Acceptance depends on each business.
Can I study this part-time from the UK, and does my employer need to pay?
The programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study part-time from anywhere in the UK, with no visa needed. Study ranges from 300 hours to 1,900 hours, and an assigned technical tutor supports you. Fees can be paid in instalments. Employer sponsorship is possible if your employer agrees, which is more common in larger firms.
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
Understand how drum and disc brakes work.
Measure discs and drums with metrological precision.
Machine discs and drums within service limits.
Apply appropriate bedding-in procedures.
Balance wheels and rotating masses.
Restore the hydraulic components of the braking system.
Document a complete brake service.
Who it's for
- Brake technicians.
- Restoration mechanics working on classic braking systems.
- Machining specialists.
- Vehicle roadworthiness inspectors.
- Motorsport mechanics.
- Workshop managers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter automotive workshops.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 90 (replacement brake linings and discs)
- UNECE Regulation No. 13-H (braking of passenger cars)
- SAE J2522 AK Master (friction material performance testing)
- ISO 1940-1 (balance quality requirements)
- Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic roadworthiness testing)
- Historic vehicle regulations (registration and use of historic vehicles)
- Hunter WinAlign
- Pro-Cut Brake Lathe Software
- Autodata
- Haynes Pro
- Excel (metrology log)
8 modules
1.1Physics of friction and energy dissipation1.2Drum brakes: simplex, duplex and servo1.3Disc brakes: fixed and floating callipers1.4Disc and drum materials1.5Friction materials and compounds1.6Temperature, fade and recovery1.7Vibration, noise and judder1.8Wear and service life1.9Diagnosing uneven braking1.10Case study: diagnosing brake vibration
2.1Minimum thickness and maximum diameter2.2Warping and lateral run-out2.3Disc thickness variation (DTV)2.4Drum ovality2.5Surface roughness after machining2.6Dial gauges, micrometers and feeler gauges2.7Measurement on the vehicle and on the bench2.8Recording measurements2.9Replacement criteria2.10Lab: measuring DTV and run-out
3.1Bench brake lathe3.2On-car machining3.3Cutting and feed parameters3.4Non-directional surface finish3.5Vented and drilled discs3.6Machining limits3.7Lathe maintenance3.8Common errors in disc machining3.9Post-machining checks of run-out and thickness3.10Practical: machining a disc on a bench lathe
4.1Turning drums4.2Centring and clamping4.3Maximum service diameter4.4Fitting brake shoes4.5Grinding brake shoes4.6Riveting and bonding linings4.7Adjustment settings4.8Alloy and cast iron drums4.9Restoring classic drums4.10Workshop: turning a drum and fitting the shoes
5.1Material transfer to the disc5.2Bedding-in procedures5.3Heating and cooling cycles5.4Bedding in motorsport5.5Bedding drum brakes5.6Errors and glazing5.7Bedding after machining5.8Checking the results5.9Recommendations to the customer5.10Practical: on-track bedding procedure
6.1Static and dynamic imbalance6.2Bench balancing machines6.3Balancing drums and hubs6.4Balancing wire-spoke wheels6.5Balance weights and their placement6.6On-vehicle balancing6.7Vibration caused by poor balancing6.8Balancing tolerances according to ISO 1940-16.9Verifying the results6.10Lab: balancing a wire-spoke wheel
7.1Master cylinders and wheel cylinders7.2Callipers and pistons7.3Brake hoses and pipes7.4DOT fluids and their maintenance7.5Bleeding systems7.6Vacuum servos7.7Restoring callipers7.8Component conversions7.9Leak tests7.10Workshop: restoring a two-piston calliper
8.1Selecting the vehicle8.2Initial diagnosis of the braking system8.3Measurement and intervention plan8.4Machining and replacement8.5Bedding-in and balancing8.6Brake roller tester tests8.7Technical documentation of the service carried out8.8Budget for parts and labour8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Hunter WinAlign, Pro-Cut Brake Lathe Software, Autodata, Haynes Pro and an Excel metrology log, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: machining discs and drums, on-track bedding procedures, and balancing wire-spoke wheels. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: UNECE Regulation No. 90, UNECE Regulation No. 13-H, SAE J2522 (AK Master), ISO 1940-1, Directive 2014/45/EU, historic vehicle regulations.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
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 totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Hunter WinAlign, Pro-Cut Brake Lathe Software, Autodata, Haynes Pro and Excel, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector; no university degree is required.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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