NC AU144: Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems Service and Repair

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2025
Credits: 0
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 54
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 216
Strongly Recommended: AUTO 146 or NC AU146; ENGL C1000; MATH 144; AUTO 140A, NC AU140 or one year of employment as automotive technician.
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Non-Credit Course

Catalog Course Description

Intended for the incumbent worker, returning student or person seeking a career change into the automotive service industry. This course is part of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair curriculum intended for students with availability in the evening. The course covers essential chassis system theory; inspection, diagnosis, service and repair of the following undercar systems: Steering, suspension, wheel alignment, wheels and tires. Course prepares students for ASE Suspension and Steering (A4) certification. This course is the noncredit equivalent of credit course AUTO 144. 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Flush, fill and bleed the power steering system following manufacturer's repair procedures.
  • Replace and repair tires in accordance with the Rubber Manufacturer's Association's guidelines.
  • Conduct suspension component inspection and recommend corrective action.
  • Inspect and replace FWD wheel bearings following manufacturer's repair procedures.
  • Inspect and replace Constant Velocity (CV) axles and CV boots following manufacturer's repair procedures.
  • Inspect and replace shocks and struts following manufacturer's repair procedures.
  • Inspect and adjust vehicle alignment following manufacturer's repair procedures.
  • Adjust vehicle alignment with the use of aftermarket shims and components, following aftermarkets manufacturer's repair procedures.

Major Course Content

  1. Safety Specific to the Chassis System
  2. Fasteners, Gaskets and Seals Specific to the Chassis System
  3. Tire and Wheel
    1. Construction and sizing
    2. Ratings
    3. Theory, service, diagnosis, and repair of the following
      1. Runout
      2. Imbalance
      3. Replacement and patching
      4. Road Force Variation
  4. Introduction to Low Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
    1. Direct and Indirect
  5. Theory, Service, Diagnosis and repair of the following Suspension systems
    1. MacPherson and Modified Strut
    2. Double wishbone/ Short-Long Arm
    3. Solid Live Axle
    4. Trailing Arm
    5. Multi-link
    6. Twin I-Beam
    7. Semi-independent Rear
  6. Introduction to Electronic Ride Control
  7. Theory, Service, Diagnosis and repair of the following Steering systems and subsystems
    1. Rack and Pinion
    2. Recirculating Ball
    3. Hydraulic Power Assist
    4. Steering linkage
  8. Introduction to Electronic Power Steering
  9. Steering and Suspension Geometry
    1. Basic alignment theory, service, diagnosis and repair
      1. Caster, Camber, and Toe (individual and total)
      2. Introduction to Advanced alignment techniques
        1. SAI, IA, Ackerman
        2. Determining structure damage using SAI, Camber, and IA
  10. Service Literature Specific to the Chassis
  11. Repair Order Documentation specific to the Chassis

Lab Content

  1. Operation and use of the following
    1. Four wheel alignment hoist and computer
    2. Various hand tools related to chassis diagnosis, service and repair
    3. Various specialty tools related to chassis diagnosis, service and repair
  2. Service, Diagnosis, and Repair of the following Chassis Systems
    1. Wheel Bearings
      1. Serviceable
      2. Non-serviceable
    2. Tires and Wheels
    3. Suspension
    4. Steering
    5. Alignment (suspension and steering geometry)

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Industry related periodicals and technical journals.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Weekly technical article summaries/evaluations from industry-related periodicals and technical journals.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Complete ASE review/preparation questions and cognitive worksheets.

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture, Online Education Lecture