Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    AT

 Course #:    131

 Credits:    7

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    9.25

 CIP:    470604

 EPC:    712

 REV:    2019

 Course Description  

Operation, diagnosis and repair of suspension, steering and alignment systems including suspension modifications and electronic controlled systems. Learn on a variety of front and rear suspension systems.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: AT 101 or 107, AT 124, 133 and ENGL& 101.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 77

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper understanding of safety and hazards associated with working on suspension and steering systems.
2. Perform suspension and steering system inspection to determine required maintenance and/or service.
3. Understand critical tire information; Mount, balance and repair vehicle tires.
4. Understand the design and operation of shock absorbers and MacPherson struts; demonstrate proper service.
5. Understand the different types of front suspension systems and how to service including, coil springs, torsion bars, leaf springs, ball joints, I-beams, MacPherson struts, long/short arms, multi-link, etc.
6. Understand the different types of rear suspension systems and how to service including, solid axle, independent, leaf-spring type, coil spring type, multi-link type, etc.
7. Understand, diagnose and repair electronic controls on modern suspension systems including four-wheel steering, stability control, electric steering assist, self-parking, etc.
8. Understand diagnose, service and repair power steering systems.
9. Understand, diagnose, service and repair recirculating ball steering gear systems.
10. Understand, diagnose, service and repair rack and pinion steering systems.
11. Define and explain the use of alignment angles including camber, caster, toe, SAI, scrub, etc.
12. Perform four-wheel alignment demonstrating proper adjustment of angles.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Suspension and steering fundamentals and inspection.
2. Wheels, tires, balancing and TPMS systems.
3. Shocks, Struts and vibration diagnosis.
4. Alignment fundamentals, diagnosis and service.
5. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of front suspension systems.
6. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of rear suspension systems.
7. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering systems.
8. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering power assist, including hydraulic and electric.
9. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of electronically controlled suspension systems.
10. Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering autonomous systems including auto park, lane departure, etc.