AUT 403 - Automotive Steering and Suspension
Last Date of Approval: 4-22-20
3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 22.5
Total Lab Hours: 45
Total Clinical Hours: 0
Total Work-Based Experience Hours: 0
Course Description:
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of operation and service of automotive chassis and suspension systems. Emphasis will be placed on the principles of steering components, steering geometry, inspection and replacement of components, and the principles of two- and four-wheel alignment. Students will learn the inspection of steering and suspension components, steering geometry, and adjustment procedures. This course will help students refine their critical thinking skills as they evaluate various topics and concepts while searching for underlying connections between the concepts, which is a skill that should be beneficial in any/all types of careers. The students will increase their mechanical aptitude that can be used in many aspects of their life.
Prerequisites/Corequisites: A student is to have completed all prior program courses with a “C” or better grade. Any exception will have to be approved in writing by the Program Coordinator and Department Chair. Because of changes in technology, students taking program over an extended period of time may be advised to retake courses to update skills and competencies.
Mode(s) of Instruction: traditional/face-to-face
Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.
Course Fees: 0
Common Course Assessment(s): None
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. General Suspension and Steering Systems Diagnosis
2. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
3. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
4. Related Suspension and Steering Service
5. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Repair
Course Objectives:
1.Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine necessary action.
2. Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as suspension and steering system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
3. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine necessary action.
4. Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.
5. Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.
6. Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.
7. Adjust non-rack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash.
8. Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.
9. Inspect and replace rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots.
10. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system.
11. Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action
12. Remove and reinstall power steering pump
13. Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.
14. Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings.
15. Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (center link/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkage damper. 16. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
17. Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled steering systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.
18. Inspect and test electric power assist Steering Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action.
19. Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action.
20. Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and suspension bumpers.
21. Remove, inspect and install strut rods and bushings.
22. Remove, inspect, and install upper and/or lower ball joints. 23. Remove, inspect, and install steering knuckle assemblies. 24. Remove, inspect, and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
25. Remove, inspect, install, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts.
26. Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links.
27. Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.
28. Remove, inspect, and install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, and mounts. Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers.
29. Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled suspension systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.
30. Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically controlled steering systems (including sensors, switches, and actuators); initialize system as required. Lubricate suspension and steering systems
31. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.
32. Perform pre-alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform necessary action.
33. Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on the alignment machine; perform four wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe as required; center steering wheel.
34. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action. Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action. Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. Check front and/or rear cradle (sub-frame) alignment; determine necessary action. Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check and adjust air pressure; determine necessary action.
35. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action.
36. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine necessary action.
37. Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action.
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