Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems Syllabus for 2020-2021
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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

Students are to wear masks when on Campus. Students must come to class wearing the appropriate AC uniform shirt

Students MUST wear safety glasses while in the shop/lab. You will not be allowed into the shop without your safety glasses. 

Electronic devices are to be on silent during class and lab time

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 (shirts tucked in, no profanity on clothing, no holes in clothing) and clothing must appear to be laundered regularly

Students are expected to demonstrate proper hygiene while enrolled and on campus

Grading Criteria

90 - 100 = A

80- 89 = B

70 - 79 = C

60 - 69 = D

0 - 59 = F

Attendance = 25%

Lab Task Sheets = 25%

Class Assignments = 25%

Final Exam = 25%

Attendance

 

You will clock in electronically at the desktop computer when you arrive for class and when you leave the campus. Your attendance grade is calculated by how long you are clocked in. This class is 2 hours long which equals out to 50 points per hour. Which breaks down to 25 points for each 30 minutes or 12.5 points for every 15 minutes. If you forget to clock out, you will receive a ZERO for that day. 

Your success depends on your daily attendance. I strongly suggest you don't miss any days unless it is absolutely unavoidable. When there is a lab assignment that is completed in the shop and you are not here to participate and fill out your tasksheets, you may miss the opportunity to complete those assignments. Some "repairs", once completed, can not be redone at a later time due to a customer picking up their vehicle or the task can not be duplicated due to the nature of the repair. Also, having to stop lab to assist you on getting caught up is a distraction and slows down the other students who have attended and completed their tasks on time. 

Calendar

Additional Information

 Last Day to drop is MARCH 2

The log in information for ProDemand will be as follows

Log in: amarillocollege

Password: Transport19

Each tasksheet MUST include the vehicle you are using to complete the assignment. If a question does not apply to the vehicle, don't leave it blank. Put "N/A" for that question. I have to know what vehicle the information you looked up applies to in order to verify. Also some tasksheets involve researching information only. You can use a vehicle in the lab or your personal vehicle to research the information on, but WRITE THE VEHICLE INFORMATION DOWN.