Standard

 

AUT 132 - SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEMS

Course Description

Introduces students to principles of steering, suspension, wheel alignment, electronic steering, and electronic active suspension.  Topics include: steering systems diagnosis and repair; suspension systems diagnosis and repair; wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment and repair; wheel and tire  diagnosis and repair.

 

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Class

3

Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

D. Lab

0

Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair

P. Lab/O.B.I.

3

Wheel and Tire  Diagnosis and Repair

Credit

4

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

AUT 122

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  9   

     

  9   

 

Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS) in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures. 

 

Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures. 

 

Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine necessary action.

 

Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.

 

Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.

 

Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.

 

Adjust manual or power non-rack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash.

 

Remove and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.

 

Disassemble, inspect, perform necessary action and reassemble rack and pinion steering gear.

 

Adjust manual or power rack and pinion steering gear.

 

Inspect and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots.

 

Inspect power steering fluid levels and condition.

 

Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system.

 

Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action.

 

Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt.

 

Remove, inspect, and replace power steering pump, mounts, seals, and gaskets.

 

Remove, inspect, and replace power steering pump pulley; check alignment.

 

Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings.

 

Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkage damper.

 

Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.

 

Diagnose and adjust components of electronically controlled steering systems; determine necessary action.

 

 

 

Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  9   

     

  9   

 

Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.

 

Diagnose MacPherson strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.

 

Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.

 

Remove, inspect, install, and adjust strut (compression/tension) rods and bushings.

 

Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower ball joints on short and long arm suspension systems.

 

Remove, inspect, install, and adjust strut (compression/tension) rods and bushings.

 

Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower ball joints on short and long arm suspension systems.

 

Remove, inspect, and install steering knuckle assemblies.

 

Remove, inspect, and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.

 

Remove, inspect, install, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts.

 

Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links.

 

Remove, inspect, and install MacPherson strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.

 

Lubricate suspension and steering systems.

 

Remove, inspect, and install coil springs and spring insulators.

 

Remove, inspect, and install transverse links, control arms, bushings, and mounts.

 

Remove, inspect, and install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, and mounts.

 

Remove, inspect, and install MacPherson strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, and insulators (silencers).

 

Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers.

 

Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings.

 

Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically controlled suspension systems.

 

 

 

Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair

  9   

     

  9   

 

Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.

 

Perform prealignment inspection; perform necessary action.

 

Measure vehicle riding height; determine necessary action.

 

Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber; perform necessary action.

 

Check and adjust caster; perform necessary action.

 

Check and adjust front wheel toe; adjust as needed.

 

Center steering wheel.

 

Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action.

 

Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action.

 

Check and adjust rear wheel toe.

 

Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action.

 

Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action.

 

Check front cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action.

 

 

 

Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Repair

  3   

     

  3   

 

Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine necessary action.

 

Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure.

 

Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action.

 

Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Measure wheel, tire, axle, and hub runout; determine necessary action.

 

Diagnose tire pull (lead) problem; determine necessary action.

 

Balance wheel and tire assembly (static and dynamic).

 

Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Books

 

Duffy, J. E.  (2000).  Modern AutomotiveTechnology.  South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox.

Erjavec, J.  (2000).  Automotive Technology (3rd ed.).  Albany, NY: Delmar.

Erjavec, J.  (2000).  Automotive Technology Workbook (3rd ed.).  Albany, NY: Delmar.

Gilles, T. (1999). Automotive Service Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair (1st ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar

Toboldt, W. K., & Johnson, L.  (1995).  Automotive Encyclopedia.  South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox.

Webster, J., & Owen, C. E.   (2000).    Basic Automotive Service & Systems (2nd ed.).

           Albany, NY: Delmar.