Contra Costa College
Course Outline
Department & Number
Course Title
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Prerequisite or concurrently
Challenge Policy
AUSER 153
Automotive Steering and Suspension Systems
and Headlamp Aiming
none
Number of Weeks per term
Lecture Hours per term
Lab Hours per term
*HBA per term
Units
18
54
3
Advisory
Hours per term.
*HOURS BY ARRANGEMENT:
ACTIVITIES: (Please provide a list of the activities students will perform in order to satisfy the HBA requirement):
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course covers the basic fundamentals of automotive steering and suspension by providing
technical information on components of the auto body, springs and suspension systems, stabilizers and
shock absorbers, wheel alignment and balancing, steering gear, linkages and power systems.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
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14.
Describe safe methods of lifting or hoisting a vehicle.
Define sprung and unsprung weight.
Describe recommended tire rotation and repair methods, and tire size identification.
Describe Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS).
Diagnosis, inspect and replace wheel bearings.
List the various types of CV joints and their application.
Describe the operation of a power rack and pinion steering system
Perform an under-the-vehicle inspection of the steering system component parts.
Describe how front suspension components function to allow wheel movement up and down and
provide turning.
Discuss the procedure for testing load carrying and follower type ball joints.
Define camber, toe, cater, SAI included angle, scrub radius, turning radius, setback, and thrust line.
Perform four wheel alignments.
Describe effects of collision damaged suspensions.
Inspect and repair lighting system components and align headlamps.
COURSE CONTENT: (In detail; attach additional information as needed and include percentage breakdown)
Vehicle lifting
Springs
Tire rotation, repair, & TPMS
Wheel bearings
Power rack & pinion steering gear (manual & electric)
Vehicle inspection (suspension system parts)
Suspension system function of component parts
Steering & suspension diagnostics
Alignment angles
Vehicle alignment
Headlamp aiming
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture
Videos
Presentations
Demonstrations
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title:
Author:
Today’s Technician: Automotive suspension and Steering
Mark Schnubel
Publisher:
Delmar-Cengage
Edition/Date:
6th edition / 2014
NOTE: To be UC transferable, the text must be dated within the last 5 years OR a statement of justification for a text beyond the last 5
years must be included.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS (Use applicable expectations)
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Weekly Reading Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Math Problems
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments
Hours per week
2
1
1
2
STUDENT EVALUATION: (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
25
25
10
40
%
%
%
%
Homework
Quizzes
In-shop work and job sheets
Midterm and final exams
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, P/NP, or SC)
x
Letter Grade
Pass / No Pass
Student Choice
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
or
70% and above = Pass
Below 70% = No Pass
Prepared by:
Peter Lock
Date:
1/2014
Form Revised 01/13