AT 131 - Suspension, Steering and Alignment Systems

Credits: 7
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 77
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

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: AT 133 with a D grade or higher; and concurrent enrollment in AT 124 and ENGL& 101.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of steering and suspension systems service hazards and safety by conducting safe practices while working in the lab.
Demonstrate understanding of steering and suspension system components and their function by correctly identifying components and explaining their operation.
Demonstrate ability to determine appropriate steering and suspension system service by following a systematic diagnostic approach.
Demonstrate ability to diagnose vehicle alignment problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis and adjustments.
Demonstrate ability to diagnose front and rear suspension problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
Demonstrate ability to diagnose steering system problems correctly including rack and pinion and gearbox systems by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
Demonstrate ability to diagnose wheel, tire and wheel bearing problems correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
Demonstrate ability to diagnose steering and suspension system electronic controls correctly by performing live-vehicle diagnosis.
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.

Course Contents

Suspension and steering fundamentals and inspection.
Wheels, tires, balancing and TPMS systems.
Shocks, Struts and vibration diagnosis.
Alignment fundamentals, diagnosis and service.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of front suspension systems.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of rear suspension systems.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering systems.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering power assist, including hydraulic and electric.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of electronically controlled suspension systems.
Operation, diagnosis, service and repair of steering autonomous systems including auto park, lane departure, etc.

Instructional Units: 9.25