AUTT 1050 Syllabus
Subject Code
AUTT
Course Number
1050
Course Title
Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems
Prerequisites
Prerequisites/Corequisites: AUTT 1010, AUTT 1020
Corequisites
Terms Offered
Offered Fall and Spring
Credit Hours
(1-7-4)
Course Description
This course introduces students to the principles of steering, suspension, wheel alignment, electronic steering, and electronic active suspension. Topics include general suspension and steering systems diagnosis; steering systems diagnosis and repair; suspension systems diagnosis and repair; related suspension and steering service; wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment, and repair; and wheel and tire diagnosis and repair.
Course Outcomes
General Suspension and Steering Systems Diagnosis
Order Description
1 Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer
concern, related service history, cause and correction. P-1
2 Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine necessary action.
P-1
3 Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as suspension and steering system
operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins. P-1
4 Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers. P-1
Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Order Description
1 Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS). P-1
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 noise concerns; determine necessary action. P-2
5 Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard
steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action. P-2
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 non-rack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash. P-3
8 Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.
P-2
9 Inspect and replace rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows
boots. P-2
10 Determine proper power steering fluid type; inspect fluid level 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-2
15 Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley and belt alignment. P-2
16 Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings. P-2
17 Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (center link/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
20 Inspect and test electric power assist steering. P-3
21 Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits, service and safety precautions.
P-3
Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Order Description
1 Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height
concerns; determine necessary action. P-1
2 Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns;
determine necessary action. P-1
3 Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound
bumpers. P2
4 Remove, inspect and install strut rods and bushings. P-2
5 Remove, inspect, and install upper and/or lower ball joints. P-1
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-3
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 Remove, inspect, and install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets,
bushings, and mounts. P-3
Related Suspension and Steering Service
Order Description
1 Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers. P-1
2 Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings. P1
3 Test and diagnose components of electronically suspension systems using a scan tool;
determine necessary action. P-3
4 Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically controlled steering
systems (including sensors, switches, and actuators); initialize system as required. P3
5 Describe the function of the idle speed compensation switch. P-3
6 Lubricate suspension and steering systems. P-2
Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment and Repair
Order Description
1 Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer,
and steering return concerns; determine necessary action. P-1
2 Perform prealignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform necessary action.
P-1
3 Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on the alignment machine. P-1
4 Perform four wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel castor, camber
and toe as required. P-1
5 Center steering wheel. P-1
6 Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action. P-2
7 Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action. P-2
8 Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. P-1
9 Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. P-2
10 Check front and/or rear cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action. P-3
Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Repair
Order Description
1 Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check and adjust air pressure; determine
necessary action. P-1
2 Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action. P-2
3 Rotate tires according to manufacturer's recommendations. P1
4 Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine necessary action. P-2
5 Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action. P-2
6 Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly (static and
dynamic) P-1
7 Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system sensor. P-2
8 Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts. P-1
9 Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform necessary action. P-1
10 Repair tire using internal patch. P-1
11 Inspect, diagnose, and calibrate tire pressure monitoring system. P-2