21st Century Standards Profile
Engineering and Technical
Course Title: Suspension and Steering Diagnosis
WVEIS Code 1637
Student’s Name______________________________________________________________________________________________
School__________________________________________________Instructor____________________________________________
Course Description: This course will introduce students to the basic fundamental skills, technology, and service of automotive
suspension and steering systems. Areas of studies include; diagnosis and repair of steering systems, diagnosis and repair of front
suspension systems, diagnosis and repair of rear suspension systems, miscellaneous suspension and steering systems, and diagnosis
and adjust wheel alignment. Group and individual activities engage students in problem-solving techniques and manipulative skills
while completing industry related activities. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities. Students are encouraged to become active
members of SkillsUSA, the national student organization for those enrolled in Automotive Technology. SkillsUSA is an integral
component of the program and provides curricular opportunities that enhance student achievement. The West Virginia Standards for
21st Century Learning include the following components: Content Standards, Learning Skills, and Technology Tools. All West Virginia
teachers are responsible for classroom instruction that integrates learning skills, technology tools, and content standards and
objectives.
Level of Competence:
 Above Mastery: The student demonstrates exceptional and exemplary performance with distinctive and sophisticated
application of knowledge and skills that exceed standard. The student can independently solve problems and is self-directed.

Mastery: The student demonstrates competent and proficient performance and shows a thorough and effective application of
knowledge and skills that meet standard. Application of knowledge and skills is thorough and effective and the student can work
independently.

Partial Mastery: The student demonstrates basic but inconsistent performance of fundamental knowledge and skills
characterized by errors and/or omissions. Performance needs further development and supervision.
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Standard 1: Diagnosis and Repair of Steering Systems
Objectives
The student will
ET.O.SSD.1.1
disable supplemental restraint system
(SRS) in accordance with
manufacturer’s procedures.
ET.O.SSD.1.2
diagnose steering column noises,
looseness, and binding problems
(including tilt mechanisms); determine
needed repairs.
ET.O.SSD.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.
ET.O.SSD.1.4
inspect and replace steering shaft
universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s),
collapsible column, lock cylinder
mechanism, and steering wheel.
ET.O.SSD.1.5
adjust manual or power non-rack and
pinion worm gear bearing pre-load and
sector lash.
ET.O.SSD.1.6
remove and replace manual or power
rack and pinion steering gear; inspect
mounting bushings and brackets.
ET.O.SSD.1.7
disassemble, inspect rack and pinion
steering gear.
ET.O.SSD.1.8
adjust manual or power rack and pinion
steering gear.
ET.O.SSD.1.9
inspect and replace manual or power
2
Partial
Mastery
Mastery
Above
Mastery
Content Standards and Objectives
Date
Comments
rack and pinion steering gear inner tie
rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots.
ET.O.SSD.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.
ET.O.SSD.1.11
diagnose power steering fluid leakage;
determine needed repairs.
ET.O.SSD.1.12
remove, inspect, and replace power
steering pump, mounts, seals, pulley
alignment, and gaskets.
ET.O.SSD.1.13
inspect and replace power steering
hoses and fittings.
ET.O.SSD.1.14
inspect and replace pitman arm,
centerlink, idler arm and mountings,
and steering linkage damper. Inspect,
replace, and adjust tie ends (sockets),
tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
ET.O.SSD.1.15
diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or
replace components of electronicallycontrolled steering systems.
ET.O.SSD.1.16
diagnose, inspect, repair or replace
components of variable-assist steering
systems.
Standard 2: Diagnosis and Repair of Front Suspension Systems
Objectives
The student will
ET.O.SSD.2.1
diagnose short and long arm
suspension system noises, body sway,
and uneven riding height problems;
determine needed repairs.
3
ET.O.SSD.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.
ET.O.SSD.2.3
remove, inspect, and replace
MacPherson strut cartridge or
assembly, strut coil spring, insulators,
and upper strut bearing mount.
ET.O.SSD.2.4
remove, inspect, replace upper and
lower control arms, bushings, shafts,
and rebound bumpers. Remove,
inspect, and replace steering knuckle
assemblies.
ET.O.SSD.2.5
remove, inspect, and replace upper and
lower ball joints on short and long arm
suspension systems.
ET.O.SSD.2.6
remove, inspect, and replace short and
long arm suspension system coil
springs and spring insulators.
ET.O.SSD.2.7
remove, inspect, replace, and adjust
suspension system torsion bars; inspect
mounts.
ET.O.SSD.2.8
remove, inspect, and replace stabilizer
bar bushings, brackets, and links.
ET.O.SSD.2.9
lubricate suspension and steering
systems.
Standard 3: Diagnosis and Repair of Rear Suspension Systems
Objectives
The student will
ET.O.SSD.3.1
remove, inspect, and replace coil
springs and spring insulators.
ET.O.SSD.3.2
remove, inspect and replace transverse
links, control arms, bushings, and
mounts.
4
ET.O.SSD.3.3
remove, inspect, and replace leaf
springs, leaf spring insulators
(silencers), shackles, brackets,
bushings, and mounts.
Standard 4: Miscellaneous Suspension and Steering Services
Objectives
The student will
ET.O.SSD.4.1
inspect, remove, and replace shock
absorbers.
ET.O.SSD.4.2
remove, inspect, and service or replace
front and rear wheel bearings
ET.O.SSD.4.3
diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or
replace components of electronicallycontrolled suspension system.
Standard 5: Diagnosis and Adjust Wheel Alignment
Objectives
The student will
ET.O.SSD.5.1
perform prealignment inspection.
ET.O.SSD.5.2
diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull,
hard steering, bump steer, ride height,
memory steer, torque steer, and
steering return problems; determine
needed repairs.
ET.O.SSD.5.3
inspect front cradle (sub-frame)
alignment; determine needed repairs.
ET.O.SSD.5.4
inspect for front wheel setback;
determine needed repairs.
ET.O.SSD.5.5
inspect rear wheel thrust angle;
determine needed repairs adjust rear
wheel toe.
ET.O.SSD.5.6
inspect and adjust front and rear wheel
camber, caster, SAI (steering axis
inclination) and determine needed
repairs.
ET.O.SSD.5.7
adjust toe and center steering wheel.
Standard 6: Participating in the Student Organization
Objectives
The student will
5
ET.O.SSD.6.1
ET.O.SSD.6.2
ET.O.SSD.6.3
identify the purposes and goals of the
student/professional organization.
explain the benefits and responsibilities
of participation in
student/professional/civic organization
as an adult.
demonstrate leadership skills through
participation in
student/professional/civic organization
activities such as meetings, programs,
and projects.
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Profile Summary
STUDENT COMMENTS:
Student’s Signature______________________________________________________________ Date____________________
INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS:
Instructor’s Signature_____________________________________________________________ Date___________________
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