Automobile Suspension and Steering Technician
Course Code:
AER0453V
Credit Hours:
150 clock hours
Effective beginning:
2023-24
Sections:
001-004
Course Description:This course prepares the student to diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems, including electronic suspensions, and four-wheel steering systems. The most common wheel alignment techniques are taught. Components include lecture/discussion, written assignments and hands-on experience.
Course Details
Required textbooks/ course materials:
Fundamentals of Automotive Technology (bundle), 3rd Edition, (textbook, workbook, and 2-year Access Code), ISBN: 9781284271669.
Modern Automotive Technology (textbook), 10th ed., ISBN: 9781645646907.
Assignment/course outline:
See first-day handout.
Discipline-level learning outcomes:
Automotive Technology focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the automotive industry (see chart below).
Course-level learning outcomes:
| Course-level student learning outcomes | Discipline-level learning outcomes | Assessment methods |
|---|---|---|
|
Identify all front and rear suspension types, steering and suspension systems, and air bag equipped vehicles. Perform a tire and wheel inspection, and electronically balance tire and wheel assemblies. Perform a strut and riding height inspection; inspect front and rear suspension components, steering linkage, and steering gear. Remove and replace major suspension components of a SLA and FWD type vehicle. Remove and replace major steering components of a SLA and FWD type vehicle. Diagnose alignment angle problems. Perform a complete 4-wheel alignment using three different alignment machines. Diagnose electrical faults affecting electronically controlled steering and suspension systems, including the air bag system. Demonstrate a familiarization with tire pressure monitoring systems by written and hands on assessments. |
AUT Outcome 1: Demonstrate mastery of Automotive Service Technology knowledge and skills. AUT Outcome 2: Demonstrate safety skills appropriate for employees in an Automotive Service work setting. AUT Outcome 3: Apply critical thinking and diagnostic skills as appropriate for Automotive Service Technicians. AUT Outcome 4: Exhibit interpersonal and ethical skills as appropriate for Automotive Service Technicians. AUT Outcome 5: Exhibit leadership, organizational, and professional skills appropriate for Automotive Service Technicians. AUT Outcome 6: Students exhibit employability and/or entrepreneurship skills as appropriate for employees in an Automotive Service work setting. |
Tests, Quizzes, Final Exams, Skills Performance and Skills Demonstration, Projects, Skills Check |
Means of accomplishing learning outcomes:
The course is competency-based and self-paced using handouts, videotapes, textbooks, computer-assisted instruction and instructor demonstrations.
- Attending classes, completing book and computer assignments along with laboratory work.
- Completing reading and homework assignments.
- Studying/maintaining handouts.
- Reading current publications from the automotive industry.
Student must demonstrate an understanding theory of operating principles prior to stating lab sheets. Have the instructor or lab assistant sign and verify your lab sheets after completing each lab assignment. Turn in your lab sheets to the instructor or lab assistant for grading and recording.
You will be assigned a specific lab station work area. The equipment you will use is rugged and reliable. However, with abuse or misuse, it will malfunction and become inoperable. Be careful and have the instructor/instructional aide demonstrate the use of the equipment before using it for the first time. Read all instructions carefully and ask questions prior to use. Keep your lab bench work area clean and orderly while performing assignments. Return all equipment/lab components to the proper storage area before departing at the end of the day. Lab and shop will be clean and secured at the end of each project or day whichever comes first. If a lab assignment will take more than one day notify the instructor and secure all parts and project at the end of the day.
EXAMINATIONS:
The course examinations consist of written knowledge examinations and performance evaluations. A knowledge examination is given upon completion of each assignment on the course outline. If you take an exam and score less than 70%, you are allowed to retake the exam on the next class day. First, restudy your textbook, quizzes, lab experiments, etc. and make another attempt. If you have taken the exam three or more times to pass, your grade can never be more than 60. Performance evaluation must be mastered before proceeding to the next assignment. Student will be able to repeat performance evaluations till complete mastery is achieved. Students are encouraged to take the nationally and industry recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam upon completion of each automotive area.
College-wide policies and resources
For more specific information on Chipola's college-wide academic policies and resources available to students, visit the link below.
Policies & Resources