AGM 212W - Suspension System Service

Credits: 7
Instructional Contact Hours: 9

    A.        Identify and interpret suspension and steering concern; determine necessary action.  P-1

    B.        Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as suspension and steering system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service

               bulletins.  P-1

    C.        Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers (VIN, vehicle certification labels, calibration decals).  P-1

2.    Diagnose and repair steering systems.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine necessary action.  P-2

    B.        Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.  P-3

    C.        Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.  P-3

    D.        Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.  P-2

    E.        Adjust manual or power non-rack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash.  P-3

    F.        Remove and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.  P-1

    G.        Inspect power steering fluid levels and condition.  P-1

    H.        Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action.  P-2

    I.         Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt.

    J.         Remove and reinstall power steering pump.

    K.        Remove and reinstall power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.  P-3

    L.         Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings.  P-2

    M.        Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkaage damper.  P-2

    N.        Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.  P-1

    O.        Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled steering systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.  P-3

3.    Diagnose and repair front suspension systems.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.  P-1

    B.        Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.  P-1

    C.        Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.  P-3

    D.        Remove, inspect, and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.  P-2

    E.        Remove, inspect, install, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts.  P-3

    F.        Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links.  P-2

    G.        Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators

               (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.  P-1

    H.        Lubricate suspension and steering systems.  P-2

4.    Diagnose and repair rear suspension systems.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Remove, inspect, and install coil springs and spring insulators.  P-2

    B.        Remove, inspect, and install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, and mounts.  P-3

    C.        Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, and insulators (silencers).  P-2

5.    Diagnose and repair miscellaneous service.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers.  P-1

    B.        Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings.  P-1

6.    Diagnose, adjust, and repair wheel alignment.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Differentiate between steering and suspension concerns using principles of steering  geometry (caster, camber, toe, etc).  P-1

    B.        Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.  P-1

    C.        Perform prealignment inspection; perform necessary action.  P-1

    D.        Measure vehicle riding height; determine necessary action  P-1

    E.        Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber; perform necessary action.  P-1

    F.        Check and adjust caster; perform necessary action.  P-1

    G.        Check and adjust front wheel toe; adjust as needed.  P-1

    H.        Center steering wheel.  P-1

    I.         Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action.  P-2

    J.         Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action.  P-2

    K.        Check and adjust rear wheel toe.  P-2

    L.         Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action.  P-2

    M.        Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action.  P-2

    N.        Check front cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action.  P-3

7.    Diagnose and repair wheel and tire.  Complete 95% of Priority 1, 80% of Priority 2, and 50% of Priority 3 NATEF tasks as listed below.

    A.        Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine necessary action.  P-1

    B.        Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure.  P-1

    C.        Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action.  P-2

    D.        Rotate tires according to manufacturer's recommendations.  P-1

    E.        Measure wheel, tire, axle, and hub runout; determine necessary action.  P-2

    F.        Diagnose tire pull (lead) problem; determine necessary action.  P-2

    G.        Balance wheel and tire assembly (static and dynamic).  P-1

    H.        Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel.  P-2

    I.         Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts.  P-1

    J.         Inspect and repair tire.  P-2