HEV 3020 - Suspension & Steering

1. General: Suspension and Steering Systems 
   1. Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins                                                    
   2. Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine needed action.
2. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
   1. Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.
   2. Remove and replace steering wheel
   3. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns; determine needed action.
   4. Identify power steering gear (non-rack and pinion).
   5. Identify power steering gear (rack and pinion). 
   6. Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s). 
   7. Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.
   8. Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots. 
   9. Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
   10. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
   11. Inspect for power steering fluid leakage.
   12. Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt.
   13. Remove and reinstall power steering pump.
   14. Inspect, remove and/or replace power steering hoses and fittings.
   15. Identify high voltage power steering systems.
   16. Inspect, remove and/or replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper.
   17. Inspect, replace, and/or adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
   18. Inspect, test and diagnose electrically- assisted power steering systems (including using a scan tool). 
   19. Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions.
   20. Test power steering system pressure.
3. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
   1. Identify short and long arm suspension systems. 
   2. Identify strut suspension systems. 
   3. Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.
   4. Inspect, remove, and/or replace strut rods and bushings.
   5. Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
   6. Inspect, remove, and/or replace steering knuckle assemblies.
   7. Inspect short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
   8. Inspect torsion bars and mounts
   9. Inspect front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
   10. Inspect strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.
   11. Inspect track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
   12. Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
4. Related Suspension and Steering Service 
   1. Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.
   2. Remove, inspect, service and/or replace front and rear wheel bearings.
   3. Describe the function of suspension and steering control systems and components, (i.e. active suspension and stability control).
5. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
   1. Define vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns.
   2. Perform prealignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height; 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; center steering wheel.
   4. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius).
   5. Define steering axis inclination (SAI) and included angle.
   6. Define rear wheel thrust angle. 
   7. Check for front wheel setback.
   8. Reset steering angle sensor.
6. Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair
   1. 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.
   2. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise. 
   3. Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) 
   4. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout.
   5. Diagnose tire pull problems.
   6. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly.
   7. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor. 
   8. Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform needed action.
   9. Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
   10. Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure