Course Description
Prerequisite: AUMT 1307 or concurrent enrollment in AUMT 1307. Theory and operation of automotive suspension and steering systems including tire and wheel problem diagnosis, component repair, and alignment procedures. May be taught manufacturer specific.
Course Focus
This course includes a substantial amount of hands-on learning activities, which cannot be rescheduled. Regular attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the course.
Text and References
Automotive Technology Principles, Diagnosis and Service 4th Edition: James D. Halderman
Automotive Laboratory Exercises: Donald W. Jones
Selected Manufacturer Specific Materials/Publications
Selected Internet and Online Resources
Course Goals
The following list of course goals will be addressed in the course. Goals marked with a * must be completed to pass the course.
1. explain wheel bearing construction
2. explain wheel bearing diagnostic procedures
3. service wheel bearings
4. explain tire rating system
5. explain tire construction
6. explain tire maintenance procedures
7. locate necessary service manual information
8. apply necessary service manual information
9. analyze tire wear
10. mount tires
11. balance tires
12. measure wheel run-out
13. measure tire run-out
14. explain suspension system operation
15. identify rear suspension types
16. identify front suspension types
17. complete online Steering and Suspension course with a score of 70% or greater*
18. inspect suspension system*
19. explain suspension system diagnostic procedures
20. measure vehicle ride height
21. replace MacPherson strut
22. replace leaf spring
23. replace control arm
24. replace stabilizer bar
25. replace coil spring
26. replace ball joint
27. replace shock absorber
28. define steering geometry angles
29. list vehicle pull causes
30. perform four-wheel alignment*
31. explain steering system operation
32. explain power steering system operation
33. explain steering system diagnostic procedures
34. explain power steering diagnostic procedures
35. inspect steering system*
36. perform power steering pump pressure test
37. interpret power steering pump pressure test results
38. disassemble and reassemble rack and pinion gear
39. disassemble and reassemble recirculating ball steering gear
40. replace pitman arm
41. replace intermediate rod
42. replace tie rod end
43. replace idler arm
44. explain electronic suspension control system operation
45. troubleshoot electronic suspension control system
46. explain electronic power steering control system operation
47. troubleshoot electronic power steering control system
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
• Identify and explain the operation of standard steering/suspension system components
• Inspect a vehicle’s steering/suspension system and recommend necessary service in accordance with industry guidelines
• Troubleshoot and service automotive steering/suspension system concerns in accordance with industry guidelines
• Perform a vehicle alignment in accordance with industry guidelines
Final Grade
20% - Attendance and Participation
20% - Lab Grade
20% - Quizzes and Homework
20% - Exams (written and/or practical)
20% - Final Exam (written and/or practical)
A = 90 to 100 points
B = 80 to 89 points
C = 70 to 79 points
F = Below 70 points
I = Incomplete
Financial Aid Statement
Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or participate after the drop date are also subject to this policy.
Receiving Your Grades
End-of-semester grades will not be mailed to you by the college. To receive your grades you have two options: through the Internet or through the Telephone Touch-Tone System. Depending on your choice use the following directions:
Internet Access to Grades
1. Go to the Dallas County Community College website - http://www.dcccd.edu
2. Next, click on eConnect at the top of the page.
3. Now click on Credit student menu
4. Next click on My Personal Information
5. Now click on My Grades
6. Enter your seven digit student ID
7. Enter your password or if it is your first time to use the system enter your date of birth
8. Now select the term you wish to review
9. Next, select the grade type
10. Click on submit
Telephone Access to Grades
1. Dial 972-613-1818
2. Press 2 for grades
3. Press 1 – wait for directions to enter your seven digit Student ID number
4. Enter PIN
5. Select correct option for the semester grades you are inquiring about
Stop Before You Drop
For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time beginning in the fall of 2007, Texas Education Code 51.907 limits the number of courses a student may drop. You may drop no more than 6 courses during your entire undergraduate career unless the drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling/advising center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions. Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any other courses with a “W”. Therefore, please exercise caution when dropping courses in any Texas public institution of higher learning, including all seven of the Dallas County Community Colleges. For more information, you may access: https://www1.dcccd.edu/coursedrops