UAFM 141 - Steering & Suspension Systems

Purpose, design, function, diagnostics and service of common steering and suspension systems found on modern automobiles and light trucks. Wheels, tires, and tire repair will also be covered. Students who successfully complete this course may receive Service Technician Specialty Training credit from Ford Motor Company for Steering and Suspension Diagnosis.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Explain suspension configurations, theory, and operation.
Explain steering configurations, theory, and operation.
Explain suspension geometry and alignment principles.
Appraise chassis-related diagnostics, repair tools and techniques.
Assess Tire Pressure Monitoring System operation and diagnostic methods.
Explain tire construction, composition, sizing, ratings, and applications.
Assess tire and wheel service practices.
Diagnose steering and suspension-related malfunctions.

Outline:

Steering and suspension fundamentals
- Principles of operation
Tire and wheel bearing fundamentals
- Bearing design variations and service
  - Press-in
  - Spindle
- Tire design variations and maintenance
  - Passenger
  - Light Truck
- Tire sizes and ratings
- Tire pressure monitoring systems
  - Active
  - Passive
Tire service
- Puncture repair
- Rotation
- Replacement
- TPMS sensor service
Suspension system technology
- Function of a suspension system
- Design variations
  - Independent
  - Non-independent
- Springs
  - Coil
  - Leaf
  - Air
  - Torsion bar
- System construction
  - Control arms
  - Strut rods
  - Ball joints
  - Shock absorbers
  - Anti-roll bars
  - Track rods
  - Jounce bumpers
- MacPherson strut
  - Service
- Short Long Arm
  - Multi-link
  - Wishbone
- Auto leveling and dynamic systems
  - Air and hydraulic suspension systems
  - Computer controlled dampening
- System service and tools
Steering system technology
- Functions
- System design variations
  - Recirculating ball / parallelogram
  - Rack and pinion
- Power assist systems
  - Hydraulic
  - Electric
  - Electrohydraulic
- Steering diagnosis and service
  - Tire rods
  - Drag links
  - Idler arms
  - Pittman arms
  - Power assist components
Wheel alignment
- Principles and diagnosis
- Geometry and handling characteristics
  - Caster
  - Camber
  - Toe
  - Scrub Radius
  - SAI
  - Included angle
  - Thrust angle
- Adjustments