Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>ETCC 109C</p>

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 1:00pm - 1:30pm

By Appointment on Fridays 

Email me or contact me on my cell by calling or texting. If you call my cell, please leave a message if there is no answer. Text is my preferred method of communication. My cell is 806-236-2623

Course Information

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Course

AUMT-1316-001 Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: AUMT 1305 and AUMT 1213

Course Description

Diagnosis and repair of automotive suspension and steering systems including electronically controlled systems. Includes component repair, alignment procedures and tire and wheel service. May be taught manufacturer specific.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 CDX Fundamentals of Automotive Technology 2nd Edition

Online Access/Textbook Bundle 

ISBN:  9781284171822

Supplies

AC Logo Shirt

Face Mask

Safety Glasses or Goggles

Closed Toe, Non-slip work shoes or boots

 

Student Performance

WECM End-of-Course Outcomes: Utilize safety procedures; explain operations of suspension and steering systems; diagnose and repair system components, including electronically controlled systems; perform 4-wheel alignment procedures; and perform tire service and repair.

ASE TASK LIST

General: Suspension and Steering Systems

  • Research vehicle service information, including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.  (P-1)
  • Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine needed action.  (P-2)

Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  • Disable and enable supplemental restraint (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation. (P-1)
  • Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring). (P-1)
  • Inspect, replace, and/or adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps. (P-1)
  • Remove and reinstall power steering pump. (P-2)
  • Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment. (P-2)
  • Inspect, remove, and/or replace power steering hoses and fittings. (P-2)
  • Inspect, remove, and/or replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper. (P-2)
  • Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions. (P-2)
  • Inspect electric power steering assist system. (P-3)

Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  • Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.  (P-1)
  • Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.  (P-1)
  • Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), spring insulators silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts. (P-1)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators. (P-2)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace strut rods and bushings. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace steering knuckle assemblies. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace torsion bars and mounts. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount. (P-3)
  • Inspect, remove and/or replace track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings. (P-3)

Related Suspension and Steering Service

  • Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings. (P-1)
  • Remove, inspect, service, and/or replace front and rear wheel bearings. (P-1)
  • Describe the function of suspension and steering control systems and components, (i.e., active suspension and stability control).  (P-3)

Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair

  • Diagnose vehicle wander drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine needed action  (P-1)
  • Perform pre-alignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height; determine needed action. (P-1)
  • Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe as required; center steering wheel.  (P-1)
  • Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine needed action.  (P-1)
  • Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine needed action.  (P-2)
  • Check steering axis inclination (SAI) and included angle; determine needed action.  (P-2)
  • Check for front wheel setback; determine needed action.  (P-2)
  • Reset steering angle sensor. (P-2)
  • Check front and/or rear cradle (sub frame) alignment; determine needed action.  (P-3)

Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair

  • Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.  (P-1)
  • Rotate tires according to manufacturers' recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). (P-1)
  • Diagnose tire pull problems; determine needed action.  (P-1)
  • Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly.  (P-1)
  • Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor.  (P-1)
  • Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; determine needed action.  (P-1)
  • Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure. (P-1)
  • Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps. (P-1)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), including relearn procedure.  (P-1)
  • Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine needed action.  (P-2)
  • Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine needed action.  (P-2)

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

 

Follow Student Code of Conduct

Students MUST wear a face mask at all times while on campus. Maintain social distancing when possible.

Students MUST wear safety glasses in the shop/lab

Place phones/smart devices on vibrate or on silent. If you must answer a call, leave the classroom to do so. Please stay off social media while class is in session. You may get back on social media when the class goes on break. 

Students will be respectful of other classes being conducted in the building, respectful of their peers, and of the other instructors.

Students are expected to dress appropriately and clothing must appear and smell to have been laundered regularly. Shirts are to be tucked in and hats are not to be worn in the building or shop.* Hoodies are to be down as well.

Students are expected to demonstrate proper hygiene while enrolled.

Foul language is frowned upon

Grading Criteria

 

Each class day there will be a sign in sheet. Your final grade will be calculated on an average of your attendance, your participation in lab work, and an average of homework and quiz scores.

TBD -homework, online quizzes, end of chapter questions

TBD- Being late, 5 minutes after class is to begin, will result in a 10 point deduction. Attendance is crucial to passing this class and learning the hands-on content with our projects. 

TBD- Online lab exercises (AOC), ASE Tasks Sheets. Active participation in shop based lab activities is a major part of your grade, you must be dressed appropriately to work safely on vehicles. Your willingness to work with others and maintaining a positive attitude is part of your Lab grade.

TBD -  Final exam 

 

90 - 100 = A

80- 89= B

70 - 79 = C

60 - 69 = D

0 - 59.9 = F 

 

ALL tools must be accounted for by the end of class.  While in lab, if a student must leave early, that student must inform the instructor so that they can locate ALL tools. 

A zero will be given for your lab grade if you are not wearing safety glasses in the shop or when designated during lab. Be prepared!

Attendance

Daily Attendance Required to meet minimum competencies

Calendar

 

Week 1 & 2 - Chapter 39 

Week 3 & 4 - Chapter 41

Week 5 & 6 - Chapter 42

Week 7 - Make up work, possible lab time

Week 8 - Make up work, possible lab time

Additional Information

 

Syllabus Created on:

08/24/20 1:38 AM

Last Edited on:

08/28/20 8:13 AM