Suspension and Steering Diagnosis WVEIS Code 1637

This course will introduce students to the basic fundamental skills, technology, and service of
automotive suspension and steering systems.

Standard 1: Perform steering systems diagnosis and repair. (1637.S.1)

Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair Objectives

Students will:
1637.1.1 Disable supplemental restraint system (SRS) in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures.
1637.1.2 Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding problems (including tilt
mechanisms); determine needed repairs.
1637.1.3 Diagnose power rack and pinion and non-rack and pinion steering gear binding, uneven
turning effort, looseness, hard steering, steering gear vibration, and fluid leakage problems:
determine needed repairs.
1637.1.4 Inspect and replace steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column,
lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel.
1637.1.5 Adjust manual or power non-rack and pinion worm gear bearing pre-load and sector lash.
1637.1.6 Remove and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting
bushings and brackets.
1637.1.7 Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble rack and pinion steering gear.
1637.1.8 Adjust manual or power rack and pinion steering gear.
1637.1.9 Inspect and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends
(sockets) and bellows boots.
1637.1.10 Inspect manual and power steering fluid levels and condition. Flush, fill, and bleed power
steering system. Inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt.
1637.1.11 Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine needed repairs.
1637.1.12 Remove, inspect, and replace power steering pump, pump mounts, pump seals, and gaskets.
Remove, inspect, and replace power steering pump pulley and check alignment.
1637.1.13 Perform power steering system pressure test; determine needed repairs. Inspect and replace
power steering hoses and fittings.
1637.1.14 Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings,
and steering linkage damper. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves,
and clamps.
1637.1.15 Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically-controlled steering
systems.
1637.1.16 Diagnose, inspect, repair or replace components of variable-assist steering systems.

Standard 2: Perform diagnosis and repair of front suspensions. (1637.S.2)

Diagnosis and Repair of Front Suspensions Objectives

Students will:
1637.2.1 Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height
problems; determine needed repairs.
1637.2.2 Diagnose MacPherson strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height
problems; determine needed repairs. Remove, inspect, and replace ball joints on strut
suspension systems.
1637.2.3 Remove, inspect, and replace MacPherson strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring,
insulators, and upper strut bearing mount.
1637.2.4 Remove, inspect, replace upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound
bumpers. Remove, inspect, and replace steering knuckle assemblies.
1637.2.5 Remove, inspect, replace and adjust strut (compression/tension) rods and bushings.
1637.2.6 Remove, inspect, and replace upper and lower ball joints on short and long arm suspension
1
 systems.
1637.2.7 Remove, inspect, and replace short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring
insulators.
1637.2.8 Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts.
1637.2.9 Remove, inspect, and replace stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links.
1637.2.10 Lubricate suspension and steering systems.

Standard 3: Perform diagnosis and repair of rear suspensions. (1637.S.3)

Rear Suspensions Objectives

Students will:
1637.3.1 Remove, inspect, and replace coil springs and spring insulators.
1637.3.2 Remove, inspect and replace transverse links, control arms, bushings, and mounts.
1637.3.3 Remove, inspect, and replace leaf springs, leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles,
brackets, bushings, and mounts.
1637.3.4 Remove, inspect, and replace MacPherson strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, and
insulators (silencers).

Standard 4: Demonstrate miscellaneous services. (1637.S.4)

Miscellaneous Services Objectives

Students will:
1637.4.1 Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers.
1637.4.2 Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings.
1637.4.3 Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically-controlled
suspension systems.

Standard 5: Perform diagnosis and adjust wheel alignment. (1637.S.5)

Wheel Alignment Objectives

Students will:
1637.5.1 Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, ride height, memory steer,
torque steer, and steering return problems; determine needed repairs.
1637.5.2 Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber, caster, toe, SAI (steering axis inclination) and
determine needed repairs.
1637.5.3 Center steering wheel.
1637.5.4 Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine needed repairs.
1637.5.5 Check for front wheel setback; determine needed repairs.
1637.5.6 Check front cradle (sub-frame) alignment; determine needed repairs.

Standard 6: Perform diagnosis and repair of wheels and tires. (1637.S.6)

Wheels and Tires Objectives

Students will:
1637.6.1 Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure. Diagnose tire wear patters and determine
needed repairs. Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
1637.6.2 Diagnose wheel/tire vibrations, shimmy, and noise problems; determine needed repairs.
1637.6.3 Measure wheel, tire, axle, and hub run-out; determine needed repairs.
1637.6.4 Diagnose tire pull (lead) problem; determine corrective actions.
1637.6.5 Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel. Balance wheel and tire assembly (static
and dynamic). Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts.