South Texas College Automotive Technology Section Outline/Fall ...

South Texas College
Automotive Technology
Section Outline/Fall-2006
Instructor’s Information:
1. Name of Instructor: Robert G. Gonzalez
2. Office Location: Technology Center RM #302
3. Telephone #: (956) 872-2706
4. FAX #: (956) 872-2714
5. E-mail Address: gonzalez@southtexascollege.edu
6. Office Hours:
Course Information:
1. Course Name: Automotive Suspension and Steering
2. Course #/Section: AUMT 1416
3. Catalog Course Description: This course covers the theory and operation of automotive suspension and
steering systems including tire and wheel problem diagnosis, component repair, and alignment procedures.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AUMT 1407.
4. Departmental Course Goals: Prepare the student to industry standards in diagnosis and repair of:
• Steering Systems
• Front/Rear Suspensions
• Wheel Alignment
• Tire Diagnose
• Power Steering Systems
5. Departmental Course Competencies/Learning Objectives:
For every task the following safety requirement must be strictly enforced: comply with personal and
environmental safety practices associated with clothing; eye protection; hand tools; power equipment; proper
ventilation; and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in accordance with local, state, and federal
safety and environmental regulations. (O.H.S.A., E.P.A., etc…)
SUSPENSION AND STEERING
A. General Suspension and Steering Systems Diagnosis
1. Identify and interpret suspension and steering concern; determine necessary action. P-1
2. Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as suspension and steering system operation,
vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins. P-1
3. Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers
(VIN, vehicle certification labels, calibration decals). P-1
B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS). P-1
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2. Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring). P-1
3. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine
necessary action. P-2
4. Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering,
and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action. P-3
5. Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and
fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action. P-3
6. Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism,
and steering wheel; perform necessary action. P-2
7. Adjust manual or power non-rack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash. P-3
8. Remove and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear;
inspect mounting bushings and brackets. P-1
9. Inspect and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets)
and bellows boots. P-1
10. Inspect power steering fluid levels and condition. P-1
11. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system. P-2
12. Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action. P-2
13. Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt. P-1
14. Remove and reinstall power steering pump. P-3
15. Remove and reinstall power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment. P-3
16. Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings. P-2
17. Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings,
and steering linkage damper. P-2
18. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps. P-1
19. Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled steering systems using a scan tool; determine
necessary action. P-3
C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension
1. Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns;
determine necessary action. P-1
2. Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns;
determine necessary action. P-1
3. Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers. P-3
4. Remove, inspect and install strut rods (compression/tension) and bushings. P-2
5. Remove, inspect, and install upper and/or lower ball joints. P-2
6. Remove, inspect, and install steering knuckle assemblies. P-2
7. Remove, inspect, and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators. P-2
8. Remove, inspect, install, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts. P-3
9. Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links. P-2
10. Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper
strut bearing mount. P-1
11. Lubricate suspension and steering systems. P-2
2. Rear Suspension
1. Remove, inspect, and install coil springs and spring insulators. P-2
2. Remove, inspect, and install transverse links, control arms, bushings, and mounts. P-2
3. Remove, inspect, and install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets,
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ushings, and mounts. P-3
4. Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, and insulators (silencers). P-2
3. Miscellaneous Service
1. Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers. P-1
2. Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings. P-1
3. Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled suspension systems using a scan tool; determine
necessary action. P-3
D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
1. Differentiate between steering and suspension concerns using principles of steering geometry
(caster, camber, toe, etc). P-1
2. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering
return concerns; determine necessary action. P-1
3. Perform prealignment inspection; perform necessary action. P-1
4. Measure vehicle riding height; determine necessary action. P-1
5. Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber; perform necessary action. P-1
6. Check and adjust caster; perform necessary action. P-1
7. Check and adjust front wheel toe; adjust as needed. P-1
8. Center steering wheel. P-1
9. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action. P-2
10. Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action. P-2
11. Check and adjust rear wheel toe. P-2
12. Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. P-2
13. Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. P-2
14. Check front cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action. P-3
E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Repair
1. Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine necessary action. P-1
2. Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure. P-1
3. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action. P-2
4. Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations. P-1
5. Measure wheel, tire, axle, and hub runout; determine necessary action. P-2
6. Diagnose tire pull (lead) problem; determine necessary action. P-2
7. Balance wheel and tire assembly (static and dynamic). P-1
8. Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel. P-2
9. Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts. P-1
10. Inspect and repair tire. P-2
6. Departmental Course Requirements, Evaluation Methods, and Grading Criteria:
A= 100-90 50% Lab
B= 89-80 30% Theory
C= 79-70 20% Final Exam
F= 69-0
7. Required Textbook & Resources:
-Title: Automotive Suspension & Steering Systems (3 rd Edition)
- Publisher: Thomson Learning/Del Mar
- Author: Don Knowles
-ISBN: 0-7668-5998-3
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-Tools:
Automotive Tool Kit (see student tool list)
SCANS Information:
1. Departmental Foundation Skills:
1. Basic Skills:
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Arithmetic
Speaking
Listening
2. Thinking Skills:
Seeing things in the mind’s eye
Knowing how to learn
Reasoning
3. Personal Qualities:
Responsibility
Sociability
Self-Management
Integrity/honesty
The student will read text, shop manuals and
automotive references
The student will complete written repair orders, or
assignments as required by instructor.
The student will use mathematics to solve or
determine specifications, according to
manufacturer’s specifications.
The student will present an oral presentation.
The student will analyze/diagnose and identify
malfunctions according to manufacturer’s
specifications.
The student will appropriately estimate cost of
repairs
All students are required to dress accordingly.
All students are required to conduct themselves in
a courteous and ethical manner, with customers
and co-workers.
All students are responsible to purchase their own
hand tools, (see student Automotive tool list), and
must be kept clean and in good, operating
conditions.
All students are required to respect other students’
personal items/property, such as tools, books, etc.
All students are encouraged to used fender covers,
and demonstrate cleanness while working on
customer vehicles and to develop professional
work ethics.
2. Departmental Workplace Competencies: (for Technical Courses)
1. Resources:
Time, money, materials and facilities,
human resources
2. Interpersonal:
Participate as a member of a team
Teaches other new skills
Exercises Leadership
Works with diversity
3. Information:
Acquires and evaluates information
Organizes and maintains information
Interprets and communicates information
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Uses computers to process information
4. Systems:
Understanding systems
The student will be able to troubleshoot/diagnose,
through class lectures, lab sessions and reading
texts, and shop manuals to meet manufacturer's
specifications.
5. Technology:
Works with a variety of technologies
The student will use different types of testing
equipment to diagnose malfunctions
6. Information:
Acquires and evaluates information
Organizes and maintains information
Interprets and communicates information
The student will utilize computerized data
information for proper repair procedures,
according to manufacturer's specifications.
ADA Students with Disabilities Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made that allow
disabled students to be successful at STC. Accommodations may be provided for those students who submit the
appropriate documentation by an outside/independent professional evaluator or agency. Contact an STC
ADA/DSS Counselor in the Annex (Pecan) or call (956) 688-2006. Students may volunteer to inform the
Instructor about their disability and associated classroom limitations, if applicable.
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