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2024-2025 College Catalog

AFM 141 - Steering & Suspension Systems

3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 3 lab periods
Purpose, design, function, diagnostics and service of common steering and suspension systems found on modern automobiles and light trucks. Includes wheels, tires, and tire repair.

Prerequisite(s): AFM 101   and AFM 161  
Information: Students who successfully complete this course may receive Service Technician Specialty Training credit from Ford Motor Company for Steering and Suspension Diagnosis.  
Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain suspension configurations, theory, and operation.
  2. Explain steering configurations, theory, and operation.
  3. Explain suspension geometry and alignment principles.
  4. Appraise chassis-related diagnostics, repair tools and techniques.
  5. Assess Tire Pressure Monitoring System operation and diagnostic methods.
  6. Explain tire construction, composition, sizing, ratings, and applications.
  7. Assess tire and wheel service practices.
  8. Diagnose steering and suspension-related malfunctions.
Outline:
  1. Steering and suspension fundamentals
    1. Principles of operation
  2. Tire and wheel bearing fundamentals
    1. Bearing design variations and service
      1. Press-in
      2. Spindle
    2. Tire design variations and maintenance
      1. Passenger
      2. Light Truck
    3. Tire sizes and ratings
    4. Tire pressure monitoring systems
      1. Active
      2. Passive
  3. Tire service
    1. Puncture repair
    2. Rotation
    3. Replacement
    4. TPMS sensor service
  4. Suspension system technology
    1. Function of a suspension system
    2. Design variations
      1. Independent
      2. Nonindependent
    3. Springs
      1. Coil
      2. Leaf
      3. Air
      4. Torsion bar
    4. System construction
      1. Control arms
      2. Strut rods
      3. Ball joints
      4. Shock absorbers
      5. Anti-roll bars
      6. Track rods
      7. Jounce bumpers
    5. MacPherson strut
      1. Service
    6. Short Long Arm
      1. Multi-link
      2. Wishbone
    7. Auto-leveling and dynamic systems
      1. Air and hydraulic suspension systems
      2. Computer controlled dampening
    8. System service and tools
  5. Steering system technology
    1. Functions
    2. System design variations
      1. Recirculating ball / parallelogram
      2. Rack and pinion
    3. Power assist systems
      1. Hydraulic
      2. Electric
      3. Electrohydraulic
    4. Steering diagnosis and service
      1. Tire rods
      2. Drag links
      3. Idler arms
      4. Pittman arms
      5. Power assist components
  6. Wheel alignment
    1. Principles and diagnosis
    2. Geometry and handling characteristics
      1. Caster
      2. Camber
      3. Toe
      4. Scrub Radius
      5. SAI
      6. Included angle
      7. Thrust angle
    3. Adjustments

Effective Term:
Fall 2024