Course in Pneumatic Brakes for Historic Heavy Vehicles
Online 300 h course in pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles. 6 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 13 (braking of vehicles of categories M, N and O), Directive 71/320/EEC (braking devices) and Automation Studio. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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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 the architecture and evolution of historic pneumatic brake systems.
Analyse the production, drying and storage of compressed air on board.
Describe how control valves, relay valves, distribution valves and trailer brake valves work.
Restore actuators, brake chambers and wheel brakes using safety criteria.
Diagnose leaks and imbalances through pressure tests and response times.
Assess braking performance against current inspection requirements.
Draw up a plan for maintaining and legalising the braking system of a historic heavy vehicle.
Who it's for
- Pneumatic brake technician for heavy vehicles who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Restorer of historic lorries and buses who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Technical inspector of heavy vehicles who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Industrial vehicle mechanic who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Maintenance technician for historic fleets who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Technical adviser to transport museums who wants to specialise in Pneumatic brakes for historic heavy vehicles.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter the restoration of industrial vehicles.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 13 (braking of vehicles of categories M, N and O)
- Directive 71/320/EEC (braking devices)
- ISO 1728 (pneumatic connections between towing vehicle and trailer)
- UNE-EN 286-2 (simple unfired pressure vessels for compressed air brakes)
- FMVSS 121 (air brake systems, USA)
- Royal Decree 920/2017 (technical vehicle inspection)
- Royal Decree 892/2024 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Evolution: vacuum, air and mixed systems1.2Architecture of an air circuit1.3Single and dual circuit1.4Service, secondary and parking brake1.5Spring-accumulator brake1.6Main components of the circuit1.7Period diagrams and how to read them1.8Quantities and working pressures1.9Safety when working with compressed air1.10Workshop: surveying the circuit of a vehicle
2.1Compressor and its repair2.2Pressure regulator2.3Dryer and condensate purging2.4Reservoirs and safety valves2.5Antifreeze in older circuits2.6Water and oil in the circuit: consequences2.7Pipes, hoses and unions2.8Leaks and how to locate them2.9Periodic maintenance of the circuit2.10Practice: inspection of the air production unit
3.1Foot valve and its repair3.2Relay and quick-release valves3.3Four-circuit protection valve3.4Parking brake hand valve3.5Load-sensing valve3.6Trailer valves3.7Repair and seal kits3.8Adjustment and pressure checking3.9Diagnosing faulty valves3.10Practice: repair of a valve assembly
4.1Diaphragm chambers4.2Spring-accumulator chambers and their hazards4.3Brake levers and adjustment4.4Drum brakes: shoes and backplates4.5Cam and wedge expanders4.6Bearings and hub seals4.7Automatic and manual adjustment4.8Wear and its measurement4.9Emergency mechanical release4.10Practice: adjusting the brakes on an axle
5.1Measuring pressures at circuit points5.2Application and release response times5.3Unbalanced braking and its cause5.4Brake test bench for heavy vehicles5.5Road testing with judgement5.6Efficiency required at inspection5.7Braking with a trailer5.8Diagnosing air leaks5.9Diagnostic report5.10Practice: full diagnosis of a circuit
6.1Historic vehicle and braking requirements6.2Discontinued parts and alternatives6.3Safety upgrades and their reversibility6.4Maintenance on a low-mileage vehicle6.5Storage and protection of the circuit6.6Driver training in air brakes6.7Common errors and known accidents6.8Documenting the work6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: reviewed and documented pneumatic brake circuit
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows it to be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Automation Studio, MATLAB/Simulink, advanced Excel, AutoCAD, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures on pneumatic valve test benches, leak-tightness testing and circuit response times, and a roller brake tester for heavy vehicles. Assessment is continuous by 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 the architecture and evolution of historic pneumatic brake systems.
Analyse the production, drying and storage of compressed air on board.
Describe how control valves, relay valves, distribution valves and trailer brake valves work.
Restore actuators, brake chambers and wheel brakes using safety criteria.
Diagnose leaks and imbalances through pressure tests and response times.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of 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 an average of between 10 and 15 hours a week, compatible with full-time work.
You work with Automation Studio, MATLAB/Simulink, advanced Excel and AutoCAD. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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