AUTO 154 - Suspension and Steering Level 2

1. Complete general Suspension and Steering Systems Level 2 NATEF tasks.
   1. Research applicable vehicle and service information, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
2. Complete Level 2 NATEF tasks related to Steering Systems.
   1. Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS).
   2. Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring).
   3. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine necessary action.
   4. Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort,
      looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.
   5. Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.
   6. Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock
      cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.
   7. Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and
      brackets.
   8. Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots; replace as needed.
   9. Determine proper power steering fluid type; inspect fluid level and condition.
   10. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system.
   11. Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action.
   12. Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump drive belt.
   13. Remove and reinstall power steering pump.
   14. Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.
   15. Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings.
   16. Replace power steering pump filter(s).
   17. Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkage damper.
   18. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
   19. Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions.
3. Complete Level 2 NATEF tasks related to Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair.
   1. Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action.
   2. Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action.
   3. Inspect, remove and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.
   4. Inspect, remove and install strut rods and bushings.
   5. Inspect, remove and install upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
   6. Inspect, remove and install steering knuckle assemblies.
   7. Inspect, remove and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
   8. Inspect, remove and install torsion bars and mounts.
   9. Inspect, remove and install front stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
   10. Inspect, remove and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.
   11. Inspect, remove and install track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
   12. Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
   13. Inspect electric power-assisted steering.
4. Complete Level 2 NATEF tasks related to Suspension and Steering Service.
   1. Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.
   2. Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings.
   3. Describe the function of the power steering pressure switch.
5. Complete Level 2 NATEF tasks related to Wheel Alignment.
   1. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.
   2. Perform pre-alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform necessary action.
   3. Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four-wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe as required; center steering wheel.
   4. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action.
   5. Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action.
   6. Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action.
   7. Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action.
   8. Check front and/or rear cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action.
6. Complete Level 2 NATEF tasks related to Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair
   1. Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size and application (load and speed ratings) and adjust air pressure; determine necessary action.
   2. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action.
   3. Rotate tires according to manufacturer's recommendations.
   4. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine necessary action.
   5. Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action.
   6. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly (static and dynamic).
   7. Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor.
   8. Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform necessary action.
   9. Repair tire using internal patch.
   10. Identify and test tire pressure monitoring system (indirect and direct) for operation; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
   11. Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system.