Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   Suspension, Steering and Alignment Systems

 Title Abbreviation:   SUSPENSION/STEER/ALIGN

 Department:    AT

 Course #:    131

 Credits:    7

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    9.25

 CIP:    470604

 EPC:    712

 REV:    2021


 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  

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

Additional Course Details

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

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Demonstrate understanding of steering and suspension systems service hazards and safety by conducting safe practices while working in the lab.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of steering and suspension system components and their function by correctly identifying components and explaining their operation.
  3. Demonstrate ability to determine appropriate steering and suspension system service by following a systematic diagnostic approach.
  4. Demonstrate ability to diagnose vehicle alignment problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis and adjustments.
  5. Demonstrate ability to diagnose front and rear suspension problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
  6. Demonstrate ability to diagnose steering system problems correctly including rack and pinion and gearbox systems by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
  7. Demonstrate ability to diagnose wheel, tire and wheel bearing problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
  8. Demonstrate ability to diagnose steering and suspension system electronic controls correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
  9. Demonstrate ability to repair a variety of steering, suspension and alignment systems correctly including SLA, torsion bar, McPherson strut, and other suspension systems by performing live-vehicle repairs.

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.