natef task area a-4 suspension, steering, alignment natef task area a-4 suspension, steering,...

2013 NATEF Task Area A-4

Suspension, Steering, Alignment7-2013

• A. Steering System Diagnosis & Repair

• B. Suspension System Diagnosis & Repair

• C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis & Adjustment

• D. Wheel & Tire Diagnosis & Repair

Typical Rubric for NATEF Competencies

1 = Demonstrated Exposure and has observed the competency

2 = Applies the competency but only mastered a few essential attributes

3 = Capable of the competency but needs further practice

4 = Performs the competency satisfactorily [Proficient]

5 = Mastered the competency [Exemplary]

NATEF Task Area A-4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires

A. General Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis

Research applicable vehicle and service information, vehicle service history,

service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

A4.A.1

P-1



Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine

necessary action.

A4.A.2

P-1



Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying

information, verify customer concern, related service history, cause, & correction.

“Oldie”



Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers (VIN,

vehicle certification labels, & calibration decals).

“Oldie”


B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS). A4.B.1

P-1



Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system

(SRS) coil (clock spring).

A4.B.2

P-1



Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt

mechanisms); determine necessary action.

A4.B.3

P-2



Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning

effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.

A4.B.4

P-2



Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort,

looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action.

A4.B.5

P-2



Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column,

lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.

A4.B.6

P-2



Adjust manual or power non-rack & pinion worm bearing preload & sector lash. “Oldie”



Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings

and brackets.

A4.B.7

P-2



Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows

boots; replace as needed.

A4.B.8

P-2



Determine proper power steering fluid type; inspect fluid level and condition. A4.B.9

P-1



Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system. A4.B.10

P-2

http://www.bgams.com/steering-symptoms.html






Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action. A4.B.11

P-1



Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump drive belt. A4.B.12

P-1



Remove and reinstall power steering pump. A4.B.13

P-2



Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt

alignment.

A4.B.14

P-1



Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings. A4.B.15

P-2



Replace power steering pump filter(s). “Oldie”



Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (center link/intermediate) rod, idler arm

and mountings, and steering linkage damper.

A4.B.16

P-1



Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps. A4.B.17

P-2



Test and diagnose components of electronically-controlled steering systems using

a scan tool; determine necessary action.

A4.B.18

P-1



Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety

precautions.

A4.B.19

P-3



Inspect electric power assist steering. A4.B.19

P-2


C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven

ride height concerns; determine necessary action.

A4.C.1

P-1



Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height

concerns; determine necessary action.

A4.C.2

P-1



Inspect, remove and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and

rebound bumpers.

A4.C.3

P-3



Inspect, remove and install strut rods and bushings. A4.C.4

P-3



Inspect, remove and install upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators). A4.C.5

P-2



Inspect, remove and install steering knuckle assemblies. A4.C.6

P-3



Inspect, remove and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and

spring insulators.

A4.C.7

P-3



Inspect, remove and install torsion bars and mounts. A4.C.8

P-3

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/11902016/129_0901_04_z+2000_2007_chevy_2500hd_truck+torsion_key_remove_bolts.jpg



Inspect, remove and install stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links. A4.C.9

P-3



Inspect, remove and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring,

insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.

A4.C.10

P-3



Lubricate suspension and steering system pivot points. (Grease Job) “Oldie”



Remove, inspect, and install coil springs and spring insulators. “Oldie”



Inspect, remove and install track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts

and bushings.

A4.C.11

P-3



Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), bushings, center pins/bolts, and

mounts.

A4.C.12

P-1



Inspect electric power-assisted steering. (suspension?) “Oldie”



Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically controlled

suspension systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.

“Oldie”



Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring and

insulators (silencers).

“Oldie”


D. Related Suspension and Steering Service

Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings. A4.D.1

P-1



Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings. A4.D.2

P-1



Describe the function of the power steering pressure switch. A4.D.3

P-3


E. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair

Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer,

torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.

A4.E.1

P-1



Perform pre-alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform

necessary action.

A4.E.2

P-1



Measure vehicle riding height; determine necessary action. “Oldie”



Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four-wheel

alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe

as required; center steering wheel.

A4.E.3

P-1



Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber; perform necessary action. “Oldie”



Check and adjust caster; perform necessary action. “Oldie”



Check and adjust front wheel toe and center steering wheel. “Oldie”



Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action. A4.E.4

P-2



Check SAI (steering axis inclination) & included angle; determine necessary action. A4.E.5

P-2



Check and adjust rear wheel camber & toe. “Oldie”



Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. A4.E.6

P-1



Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. A4.E.7

P-2



Check front and/or rear cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action. A4.E.8

P-3



Reset steering angle sensor. A4.E.9

P-2


F. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair

Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size and

application (load and speed ratings) and adjust air pressure; determine necessary

action.

A4.F.1

P-1



Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine necessary action. “Oldie”



Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action. A4.F.2

P-2



Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations. A4.F.3

P-1



Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure. “Oldie”



Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine necessary action. A4.F.4

P-2



Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action. A4.F.5

P-2



Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly

(static and dynamic).

A4.F.6

P-1



Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure

monitoring system sensor.

A4.F.7

P-2



Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform necessary action. A4.E.8

P-1



Repair tire using internal patch. A4.E.9

P-1



Identify and test tire pressure monitoring system (indirect and direct) for

operation; calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.

A4.E.10

P-2



Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire

pressure monitoring system.

A4.E.11

P-1



Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts using correct specification & sequence. “Oldie”

natef task area a-4 suspension, steering, alignment natef task area a-4 suspension, steering,...

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