Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems Theory Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Course

AUMT-1213-001 Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems Theory

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of automotive suspension and steering systems including the theory of wheel and tire construction and alignment angles and procedures.

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

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

CDX Preferred ACCESS Online - 2 Years & FAT 2e Textbook
BUNDLE ISBN#-13: 978-12-841-7182-2

CDX Preferred ACCESS Online (NO TEXTBOOK) - 2 Years
ISBN#-13: 978-12-841-7091-7

Supplies

Student Performance

WECM End-of-Course Outcomes: Explain function and diagnostic procedures of suspension system components; explain tire and wheel construction; and identify reasons for tire wear and alignment angles.

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)
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• Inspect rack an pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots; replace as needed. (P-1)
•  
• Inspect power steering fluid level and condition. (P-1)
•  
• Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine needed action. (P-1)
•  
• Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt. (P-1)
•  
• Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt/telescoping mechanisms); determine needed action. (P-2)
•  
• Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.  (P-2)
•  
• Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.  (P-2)
•  
• Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible couplings(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; determine needed action. (P-2)
•  
• Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets. (P-2)
•  
• Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification. (P-2)
•  
• Inspect, remove, and/or replace power steering hoses and fittings. (P-2)

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)

Related Suspension and Steering Service

• Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings. (P-1)

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)

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 manufacturer's recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). (P-1)
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• Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly.  (P-1)
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• 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)

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 required to comply with the Amarillo College Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct. The Amarillo College Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct will be posted on the bulletin board in the Transportation Career Center and the Academic Classroom Center and will be explained in detail by the Instructor on the first day of class.

Cell phone or electronic equipment in the classroom or lab should be put on silent and not interfere with the classroom environment.

Grading Criteria

35% Daily Attendance & Participation

35% Homework, 

15% test

15% Final 

 

 

90 - 100 = A

80- 89.9= B

70 - 79.9 = C

60 - 69.9 = D

0 - 59.9 = F

No Late work will be accepted

 

Attendance

You are expected to attend all class meetings on time and stay for the entire class. Points will be deducted from your attendance and participation grade on a scale based on how late you show up, or for leaving early before class is dismissed.

Three tardies ( more than ten minutes after the start of class or leaving before class is concluded) equal an absence.

Ten points will be deducted from your final grade for each absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

Class schedule is subject to change based on lab work and Instructor discretion 

Check with your Instructor for due dates of Homework, Tests, and GM Training Assignments

Some information presented may be manufacturer specific. 

You MUST get your Instructor's permission to bring a vehicle into the shop. If you do not, you WILL be asked to leave the shop.

Vehicles are not to remain "overnight". Any work performed MUST be completed by the end of class. Verify you have ALL parts and supplies needed to complete any maintenance or repair. If unsure, ask your instructor prior to work being started.  

All vehicles brought into the shop MUST have a repair order filled out and placed on the windshield. 

Honk your horn prior to entering and leaving the shop. 

Have a window down and keys outside of the vehicle to prevent being locked out.

Important course dates

November 28-December 1 – Thanksgiving Holiday (College Closed)

December 16-20 – Final Exams

December 20 – Commencement (7:00 pm)