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AUT 104 Automotive Steering/Suspension

This course introduces automotive suspension systems, components, and service procedures. Laboratory experiences include suspension and steering service, wheel alignment, and tire and wheel service.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent, AUT 102

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AUT 104 Automotive Steering/Suspension

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent, AUT 102

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

6 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces automotive suspension systems, components, and service procedures. Laboratory experiences include suspension and steering service, wheel alignment, and tire and wheel service.

Additional Materials

Safety glasses

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Analyze various steering and suspension designs. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 4, 5)
  2. Analyze and service various steering system's operations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  3. Analyze and service various suspension system's operations. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  4. Analyze and service the various related steering and suspension components. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3,4, 5)
  5. Analyze and service proper wheel alignment procedures to use on various vehicles. CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  6. Analyze and service automotive wheels and tires. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Analyze various steering and suspension designs.          
    1. Use vehicle service information, including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins; and adhere to simulated shop procedures.
    2. Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns, and determine needed action.
  2. Analyze and service various steering system's operations.
    1. Perform removal procedures for steering wheel, center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring); disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); and verify indicator lamp operation
    2. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt/telescoping mechanisms), diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, noise concerns, and determine needed action.
    3. Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns, steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, steering wheel, rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets), bellows boots, and determine needed action.
    4. Perform removal procedures for rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets, flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
    5. Perform remove and reinstall procedures for power steering pump, press fit power steering pump pulley; and check pulley and belt alignment.
    6. Perform removal procedures for pitman arm, tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, clamps relay (center link/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper.
    7. Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions, and inspect electric power steering assist system.                     
  3. Analyze and service various suspension system's operations.    
    1. Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, uneven ride height concerns, and determine needed action.    
    2. Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, uneven ride height concerns, and determine needed action.         
    3. Perform remove procedures for upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, rebound bumpers, strut rods and bushings, ball joints (with or without wear indicators), and steering knuckle assemblies.   
    4. Perform removal procedures for short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators, torsion bars and mounts. stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
    5. Perform and/or demonstrate proper removal/replacement procedures of a strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), upper strut bearing mount, track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
    6. Perform proper inspection of rear suspension system leaf spring(s), spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.          
  4. Analyze and Service the various related steering and suspension components.
    1. Perform the proper removal procedures for shock absorbers, front and rear wheel bearings; inspect mounts and bushings.                      
    2. Demonstrate the function of suspension and steering control systems and components, (i.e. active suspension and stability control).    
  5. Analyze and Service proper wheel alignment procedures to use on various vehicles.
    1. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer,  steering return concerns, and determine needed action.       
    2. Perform pre-alignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height; and determine needed action    
    3. 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; and center steering wheel.          
    4. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius), steering axis inclination (SAI), included angle, and determine needed action.    
    5. Check rear wheel thrust angle, front wheel setback, and determine needed action.          
    6. Check front and/or rear cradle (sub-frame) alignment, and determine needed action to reset the steering angle sensor.          
  6. Analyze and Service automotive wheels and tires.
    1. Check 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.     
    2. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise tire pull problems, measure wheel, tire, axle flange, hub runout, and determine needed action.  
    3. Perform proper procedures for tire rotation according to manufacturer's recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). 
    4. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor and inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss.
    5. Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure.  
    6. Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS, follow steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative - Minimum 6 Tests (equally weighted)

 

20%

Summative - Minimum 15 Quizzes (equally weighted)

20%

Summative/Formative â€" Minimum 10 Repair Orders/Worksheets (equally weighted)

30%

Summative Assessments â€" Minimum 2 Practical Assessments (equally weighted)

30%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AUTAASAUT

  1. Use appropriate automotive diagnostic and service equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring devices to determine and perform the proper repair as necessary.   
  2. Interpret automotive electronic service information, service manuals, and diagnostic charts.
  3. Document service repair procedures that accurately reference the 3Cs.
    1. Customer complaint verification
    2. Correct the problem
    3. Complete the repair.
  4. Employ proper automotive industry service facility safety practices.
  5. Practice professional conduct as required in the automotive industry.

 

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal