AUT 101 - Steering/Suspension Systems

This course is designed to teach the principles of automotive steering/suspension systems and wheel alignment. Basic tire construction, ratings, repairs, dismounting and mounting procedures are covered. Static and dynamic wheel balancing procedures will finish the tire segment. This program will cover fundamentals of short/long-arm, and strut suspension which includes the components that are individually part of the suspension systems and how they operate. Various steering linkage systems, components, operation, differences between manual and power steering and how they apply to steering, suspension, and four wheel alignment will be discussed. The basics of two and four wheel alignment and the related geometry will be taught to the students during the wheel alignment segment of the course. Students will learn strategy-based diagnostic routines, in order to interpret and verify customer concerns and to perform tests to determine the causes of problems. Students will perform hands-on repairs related to tires, steering and suspension components as well as actual wheel alignments.
Prerequisite: AUT 100, or equivalent experience and approval of Division
Co-requisite: AUTL 101
3 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week
4 credit hours