AUT 1022 - Suspension and Steering

A. General

1. Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins, and recalls including vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
2. Identify suspension and steering system components and configurations.
3. Retrieve and record DTC’s OBD monitor status and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.
4. Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.
5. Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine needed action.

B. Steering Systems

1. Inspect rack and pinion steering gear tie rod ends (sockets) and bellow boots; repair or replace as needed.
2. Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
3. Drain and replace power steering system fluid; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
4. Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine needed action.
5. Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt.
6. Inspect, remove, and/or replace power steering hoses and fittings.
7. Inspect, remove, and/or replace pitman arm relay (center-link/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper.
8. Inspect, replace, and/or adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps (non-rack and pinion).
9. Inspect and test electric power steering system; determine needed action.
10. Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring)
11. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt/telescoping mechanisms; determine needed action.
12. Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.
13. Diagnose power steering rack (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.
14. Inspect steering shaft universal joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; determine needed action.
15. Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.
16. Remove and install power steering pump.
17. Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.

C. Suspension Systems

1. Inspect, remove, and /or replace upper and/or lower control arms, bushings, and shafts.
2. Inspect and replace rebound/jounce bumpers.
3. Inspect, remove, and/or replace track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
4. Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
5. Inspect, remove, and/or replace suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
6. Inspect, remove, and/or replace torsion bars and mounts.
7. Inspect, remove and/or replace front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
8. Inspect, remove, and/or replace strut assembly, strut coil spring, insulators, and upper strut bearing mount.
9. Inspect, remove, and/or replace components of suspension systems (Coil, Leaf, and Torsion).
10. Inspect, remove, and/or replace components of electronically controlled suspension systems.
11. Inspect, remove, and/or replace steering knuckle assemblies.
12. Diagnose suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.

D. 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 electronically controlled suspension and steering systems and components, (i.e., active suspension and stability control).

E. Wheel Alignment

1. Perform pre-alignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height; determine needed action.
2. Describe four-wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, and toe) and effects on vehicle handling/tire wear.
3. Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four-wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front caster, front and rear camber, and toe as required; center steering wheel.
4. Check toe-out turns (turning radius); determine needed action.
5. Check steering axis inclination (SAI) and include angle; determine needed action.
6. Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine needed action.
7. Check for front wheel setback; determine needed action.
8. Identify front and/or rear cradle (sub-frame) misalignment; determine needed action.
9. Reset steering angle sensor.
10. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine needed action.

F. Wheels and Tires

1. Inspect tire condition/age; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (service-class, load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
2. Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
3. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel (with/without TPMS); balance wheel and tire assembly.
4.  Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform needed action.
5. Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure.
6. Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); calibrate/relearn system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors (per OEM/sensor manufacturer) in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
8. Perform Road Force balance/match mounting.
9. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine needed action.
10. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine needed action.
11. Diagnose tire pull problems; determine needed action.