DIET 2000 Syllabus

Subject Code

DIET

Course Number

2000

Course Title

Truck Steering and Suspension Systems

Prerequisites

Prerequisite/Corequisite: DIET 1000

Corequisites

Terms Offered

Offered Spring

Credit Hours

(2-5-4)

Course Description

This course introduces steering and suspension systems used on medium and heavy trucks. Classroom instruction emphasizes the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Topics include hydraulic assist steering systems; suspension systems; wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment, and repair; wheels and tires; and frame and coupling devices. Students must pay a $30 lab fee when registering for this course.

Course Outcomes

Hydraulic Assist Steering Systems
Order           Description
   1                Identify causes of fixed and driver adjustable steering column and shaft noise, looseness and
                     binding problems
   2                Inspect and service shaft u-joints, slip joints, bearings, bushings, and seals; phase steering 
                     shaft
   3                Check and adjust cab mounting and ride height
   4                Perform centering of the steering wheel as needed
   5                Demonstrate disabling and enabling of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) in accordance
                     with manufacturers' procedures
   6                Identify causes of power steering system noise, steering binding, darting/over steer, reduced
                     wheel cut, steering wheel kick, pulling, non-recovery, turning effort, looseness, hard steering,
                     overheating, fluid leakage, and fluid aeration problems
   7                Determine recommended type of power steering fluid and check the level and condition
   8                Perform flushing and refilling of the power steering system and purge air from the system
   9                Perform power steering system pressure, temperature and flow tests
  10               Inspect, service, or replace power steering reservoir including filter, seals, and gaskets
  11               Inspect power steering pump drive gear and coupling; replace as needed
  12               Inspect, adjust, or replace power steering pump, mountings, and brackets
  13               Perform inspection and replacement of power steering system cooler, lines, hoses,
                     clamps/mountings, hose routings, and fittings
  14               Perform inspection, adjustment, repair, or replacement of integral type power steering gear(s),
                     (single and/or dual) and mountings
  15               Perform inspection and lubrication of steering arms and linkages
  16               Check and adjust steering wheel stops
  17               Perform inspection and alignment of pitman arm; replace as needed

 

Suspension Systems
Order           Description
   1                Inspect front axles and attaching hardware
   2                Inspect and service kingpin, steering knuckle bushings, locks, bearings, seals, and covers
   3                Inspect shock absorbers, bushings, brackets, and mounts
   4                Inspect leaf springs, center bolts, clips, pins and bushings, shackles, slippers, insulators,
                     brackets, and mounts
   5                Inspect axle aligning devices such as radius rods, track bars, stabilizer bars, torque arms,
                     related bushings, mounts, shims, and cams
   6                Inspect tandem suspension equalizer components
   7                Inspect and test air suspension pressure regulator and height control valves, lines, hoses,
                     dump valves, and fittings; adjust, repair or replace as needed
   8                Inspect air springs, mounting plates, springs, suspension arms, and bushings; replace as
                     needed
   9                Perform ride height measurement
  10               Identify rough ride problems

 

Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Order           Description
   1                Identify causes of vehicle wandering, pulling, shimmy, hard steering, and off-center steering
                     wheel problems
   2                Check front axle alignment (centerline); camber, caster, and toe; adjust as needed
   3                Check rear axle(s) alignment (thrust line/centerline) and tracking; adjust or repair as needed
   4                Identify turning/Ackerman angle (toe-out-on-turns) problems

 

Wheels and Tires
Order           Description
   1                Identify tire wear patterns, check tread depth and pressure
   2                Identify wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, pounding, hop (tramp) problems
   3                Perform removal and installation of steering and drive axle wheel/tire assemblies
   4                Inspect tires for proper application (size, load range, position, and tread design)
   5                Inspect wheels/rims for proper application, load range, size and design
   6                Check operation of tire pressure monitoring system

 

Frame and Coupling Devices
Order           Description
   1                Perform inspection, service, and/or adjustment of fifth wheel, pivot pins, bushings, locking
                     mechanisms, and mounting hardware
   2                Perform inspection and service of sliding fifth wheel, tracks, stops, locking systems, air
                     cylinders, springs, lines, hoses, and controls
   3                Inspect frame and frame members for cracks, breaks, corrosion, distortion, elongated holes,
                     looseness, and damage
   4                Perform inspection, installation, or repair of frame hangers, brackets, and cross members in
                     accordance with manufacturers' recommended procedures
   5                Perform inspection, repair or replacement of pintle hooks and draw bars